Open Thread: January 2, 2021.

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!

Today, Los Blancos face Celta (21:00 CET) at the Alfredo di Stefano. The club released the squad list for the game and, unfortunately, Ramos is not available for the game. Marca reported that he hasn’t trained with the group due to an 'indisposition and discomfort'.

This is the squad list for the game:

Marca’s predicted line-up has Hazard and Nacho: Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Hazard, Asensio, Benzema.

Will Real Madrid sign Alaba?

We have reported frequently on the rumours between Alaba, who can be signed on a free transfer, and Real Madrid. Now, Marca said the club accelerates to make the deal happen as other clubs are also interested in the player. Alaba could sign a 4 year contract. Zidane approved the signing of Alaba.

ICYMI: Madrid Tidbits: Carvajal’s Response, Penalty Stats, and Modric’s Milestone.

Interesting article by C-Trick covering a few topics that haven’t been discussed in detail. Give it a read.