Open Thread: October 19, 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.

Meeting about the performance against Cádiz

Marca reported that Zidane and the players had a meeting yesterday to analyze the team’s situation after the defeat at home against Cádiz. Zidane mentioned the lack of attitude and intensity of the players, who agreed with the coach’s assessment. Some players also spoke without looking for excuses. As expected, Sergio Ramos was the first. Luka Modric and Tony Kroos also spoke, insisting on “unity” and “intensity” in order to change the situation.

Update on Sergio Ramos

According to some rumors, Ramos submitted to an ultrasound test in the left knee (where he felt a discomfort in the last match and was replaced at half-time). Nothing serious was found, even though he is receiving treatment. He might be available for the first Champions League game of the season, but the priority is El Clásico.

Predicting the starting XI against Barcelona

Almost a week before El Clásico, Marca has released its prediction for both teams’ line-ups. For Marca, Real Madrid’s starters will be: Courtois, Nacho, Varane, Ramos and Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Valverde, Odegaard, Asensio and Benzema.

Castilla begin the season with a win and the Real Madrid Women picked up their first league victory.

Raul’s side claimed all three points in their first league encounter of the season against Las Rozas (1-2) in a match that was played at the Navalcarbón stadium. Goals from Hugo Duro, who made his official debut for Real Madrid, and Miguel Gutiérrez sealed the points for Castilla. Meanwhile the Real Madrid Women got their first win of the season (3-1) against Rayo Vallecano thanks to goals from Maite Oroz, Asllani and Jessica Martínez.