Open Thread: November 3, 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, YoSnail or Oscnar.

It is match day!

Los Blancos have a massive game today at 21:00 CET, against an Inter side also looking for their first win in the Champions League this season. Militao is not in the squad list, as he tested positive for Covid-19. The club published an official statement, stating that all other players and staff have tested negative. Inter striker Lukaku will miss the game due to injury. Check out Kiyan’s article for an inside look at Inter.

Real Madrid squad-list for the game is:

AS’ predicted line up is: Courtois, Vazquez, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Casemiro, Kross, Valverde; Hazard, Benzema, Asensio.

Vidal: I want Inter to beat Real Madrid so Barcelona fans can celebrate.

“It’s a great match,” Vidal said at a press conference on Monday. “I spent two great years at Barcelona, so I hope to be able to celebrate a win with Inter and Barcelona fans.”

Vidal does not have a great record against Real. He was sent off in their Champions League semi-final defeat against them during his days at Bayern Munich in 2017, while his two meetings with Los Blancos in La Liga last term resulted in a draw and a defeat.

Conte talks to the press.

The Italian coach was asked about coaching Real Madrid and his relationship with Zidane. He stated “I’m focused on Inter. It’s a project that I’m really excited about, to build something really major at a big club. I was given the opportunity to coach Real Madrid in the past, but the timing wasn’t right. I’m grateful for what I was offered, but the season was already underway and it would have been tough to come in like that”.

“I have exceptional memories of Zidane from when we were teammates. I recall him being very hard-working, despite being such a talented player, and that he always had a smile on his face. I’m pleased for him and everything he’s won as a coach”.