Open Thread: December 23, 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’s match day!

Real Madrid face Granada today trying to keep their good run going. Our 24-man squad list for the game is:

Modric wasn’t included, but Hazard is finally back with the team - AS mentioned that this was his 8th injury in the past 16 months. Zidane commented about this in the press-conference, saying that it’s not been easy emotionally for Hazard.

AS’ predicted line-up is: Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Valverde; Rodrygo, Vazquez, Benzema.

Transfer Rumors.

According to Marca, Real Madrid is getting closer to signing David Alaba. Further, Real is ahead of other clubs in the race for the defender. Marca reported that the reasons for the signing are: no fee transfer, his desire to play for Real, his versality and that the signing won’t be an issue with Bayern.

It’s official: Casillas is back.

Yesterday, Real Madrid announced that club legend Iker Casillas has joined the Real Madrid Foundation as an assistant to the general director.

Real Madrid Femenino edges out Sporting Club Huelva.

Sofia Jakobsson’s deflected shot gave Las Blancas a narrow 1-0 win over Sporting Club Huelva. Aznar’s side are now 2nd in the table behind Barcelona. The game was covered in the immediate reaction article.

European Super League begins to take shape.

Marca reported that as it stands, FIFA accepts and supports the idea of a Super League. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are the Spanish sides set to be involved. Those pulling the strings believe that it will be launched in 2022. Leaders of the elite clubs believe that the Champions League’s format has past its best by date, and that 15 games isn’t enough.