Open Thread: December 5, 2021

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, Ezek Ix or NeRObutBlanco.

Massive 3 points.

Sevilla check, Bilbao check and now Sociedad, all vanquished by Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid 2.0. Next up Inter and Atleti. Los Blancos opened up an 8 point lead at the top, though Sevilla have a game in hand, courtesy of goals from Vini Junior and substitute Luka Jovic, who was also named man of the match. Anoeta is a tough place to play but Real Madrid found that warrior spirit especially from Eder Militao to put this game away. This was La Real’s first home loss of the season. Many more details of the game were covered in the immediate reaction, 3 answers and 3 questions and player ratings articles.

KCM keep chugging along.

Modric especially seems timeless. After the game he stated “I’m feeling very well both mentally and physically. I’m very happy because Ancelotti trusts me but the most important thing is I’m feeling perfectly physically.”

How bad is Benzema’s injury?

Madridistas will be holding their collective breaths for Benzema’s medical report to come out. As reported by Euan McTear, Ancelotti stated that he doesn’t think it’s too serious but that the striker will not be able for the game against Inter. Benzema’s importance to the team cannot be overstated and it will be a huge loss if we cannot play in the Madrid derby.

ICYMI: Varane discusses the “special mentality” at Real Madrid—interview

Robert Husby reported on the four time Champions League winner’s interview with English outlet The Telegraph in which he reflects on the culture at Real Madrid. Do check it out.