Open Thread: February 3, 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 or Oscnar.

Congratulations Cristiano!!!

The club tweeted its congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo who became the top scorer in the history of football.

With the brace he scored against Inter to secure the 2-1 win in the semi-final of the Coppa Italia, his all-time tally is now at 763, a figure that beats the 762 of Josef Bican and Pele. Top goal scorer in Real Madrid history, top goal scorer in the champions league and now top goal scorer in football history. GOAT!!

February fixtures: Five La Liga meetings and the return of the Champions League.

The team take on Huesca, Getafe, Valencia, Valladolid and Real Sociedad in the league and face Atalanta in the Round of 16 first leg in the continental competition. As per Paul Joyce of the Sunday Times, some Champions League knockout games could be played as one-off matches in neutral stadiums due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. With La liga increasingly looking like a lost cause all eyes turn to the Round of 16 first leg (Wednesday 24th) fixture against Atalanta. Lets hope February brings about a turn in the club’s fortunes.

Nothing serious with Eden Hazard, he should be ready vs Huesca.

Marca initially reported that Eden Hazard suffers from muscular discomfort and is a doubt for the game against Huesca this weekend. However they have now removed that report. AS then reported that the Belgian should be available for the game against Huesca, he’s dealing with some discomfort but it’s nothing serious.

Loan Watch: Martin Ødegaard spent the entire 90 minutes on the bench.

Martin Ødegaard spent the entire 90 minutes on the bench as Arsenal slumped to a 2-1 loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsenal opened the goal scoring through Pepe after dominated the first half, even hitting the woodwork twice and having a goal ruled out by VAR and then disaster struck. David Luiz conceded a penalty and got sent off before half time. Moutinho then put the gunners out of their misery with a rocket. Surely Arteta should have brought on Martin in the second half. Lets hope this doesn’t turn into another Kubo fiasco.

Real Madrid ready to part ways with Vinicius and Benzema Lyon link.

According to Manu Sainz, Real Madrid are ready to part ways with Vinicius Junior in the summer if an attractive offer arrives. A certain Kylian Mbappe could be involved.

RMC sports meanwhile quoted Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas: “We were in talks with Benzema last year, Juninho contacted him. If there is a real possibility of bringing Karim back to France - we will find a solution. But a lot depends on Madrid’s results.”

Rodrygo update!!