Open Thread: October 15, 2020.

Hola Madridistas!

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack or Oscnar.

Final notes about the international break.

Varane, Mendy and Modric played the full 90 minutes in France’s 2-1 win over Croatia for the UEFA Nations League. Interestingly, Mendy played in the right back position. Also, Modric played well, contributing to Croatia’s goal:

Ødegaard featured in Norway’s win over Nothern Ireland, marking another good performance:

Mayoral’s Comments over his transfer

During the pre-season, there were rumors that Real Madrid were considering sending Jovic out on loan. Surprisingly or not, Jovic stayed and Borja Mayoral is at AS Roma (two-year loan deal). According to him, Zidane wanted him to stay and that’s why the club tried to loan Jovic out. He later attempted to clarify these comments and issued an apology. This was one of the topics discussed by Kiyan Sobhani and Diego Lorijn in the latest Churros y Tácticas Podcast:

Vinicius Jr. & Rodrygo are finalists for 2020 Golden Boy award.

From an initial list of 100 nominees these two have made the cut. The award by Tuttosport is given to Europe’s leading under-21 player. Some other notable names nominated are Eduardo Camavinga, Alphonso Davies, Ansu Fati, Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood. Erling Haaland, Hudson-Odoi, Jadon Sancho, Sandro Tonali and Ferrán Torres.

Zidane’s team will play 5 matches in 15 days.

With the international break done and dusted the team now face a pivotal part of the season where they will play 5 matches in 15 days including 2 champions league games and El Classico.

SCHEDULE FOR THE REST OF OCTOBER:

-Real Madrid-Cádiz (Saturday 17, 6:30pm CEST).

-Real Madrid- Shakhtar Donetsk (Wednesday 21, 6:55pm CEST).

-Barcelona-Real Madrid (24 October, 4pm CEST).

-Borussia Mönchengladbach-Real Madrid (Tuesday 27, 9pm CEST).

-Real Madrid-Huesca (31 October or 1 November).