Open Thread: November 5, 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.

Updates on the team ahead of Valencia.

It seems that nothing serious happened with Hazard in the game against Inter as he trained normally yesterday with the team. Another piece of good news is that Odegaard also trained with the team. There is a rumor suggesting he will return to the squad in the upcoming game against Valencia.

AS highlighted Modric’s contributions coming off the bench, as he changed the last 3 games. Marca reported the amount of minutes each player has played so far. Courtois, Benzema, Varane, Casemiro and Ramos are the first in the list with more than 765 minutes played. It seems that Isco is no longer a favorite, as he only played 177 minutes so far this season and only started 2 out of 10 games.

Ramos contract talks.

Matt has covered the topic stating that negotiations have begun over offering Ramos a new contract extension. Ramos reportedly wants a 2 year extension which means the club will have to break its 1 year extension policy for players above 30. Ramos has shown no sign of decline and the team has looked all at sea without him in the lineup. Zidane has also been vocal about Ramos staying. The feeling is that both parties want to get the deal done.

Las Blancas secure their second win of the season.

A brace from Asllani and a goal by Jakobsson give the Whites their second consecutive win. David Aznar’s side produced a fine display and claimed victory at the Real Madrid City over Deportivo Abanca. Om and Grant covered the game in the following post match article, player ratings article and managing madrid podcast.

Poll time!!

With Martin Odegaard potentially returning to the lineup (at the expense of Asensio it is assumed) we have a poll question of whether Rodrygo should be afforded that opportunity instead or potentially both of them start. Some interesting decisions for Zidane as players get healthy.

More Champions League results.

Both PSG and Manchester United were shocked by Leipzig (1-2) and Istanbul Basaksehir (1-2) respectively. PSG even had Gueye and Kimpembe sent off as the Parisians lost all composure. Chelsea and Juventus with Cristiano back in the lineup, made short work of Rennes (3-0) and Ferencvaros (4-1) respectively. Barca saw off Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 to stay perfect in their group.

Will Real Madrid sign Alaba?

AS reported that Real Madrid are in talks with David Alaba’s agent to reach an agreement over a free transfer in the summer. Since Alaba’s contract with Bayern Munchen ends in June 2021, his agent expects to reach a pre-agreement with Real Madrid in January. Moreover, Zidane, according to AS, is a big fan of Alaba.