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 your favourite mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail, Ezek Ix and yours truly.

Successfully past Elche and now on to Atalanta

Whew, that was a close call, wasn’t it? Real Madrid struggled against mighty Elche in the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium but managed to escape from the jaws of defeat, turn the tables and snatch an injury time 2-1 win, courtesy of a brilliant Benzema golazo. While this was far from an ideal confidence boost ahead of the Atalanta game, it’s a win and three points, so mission accomplished. As always, the Managing Madrid crew’s published the usual Immediate Reaction, the Player Ratings and a lengthy Post-Match podcast, so make sure to check those out if you haven’t already!

An interesting stat is that this marked Real Madrid’s 21st consecutive match without a penalty. There were penalty shouts for both sides in this match but both teamss pleas remained unanswered. Euan McTear analyzed this in his Three Answers-Three Questions piece.

What did you think of the match?

Hazard seems to be putting in the work

Ever since his transfer to Real Madrid, Eden Hazard has been well beyond what you would call injury prone. The belgian superstar has missed 50 (let that sink-FIFTY!) games since joining the club of his dreams and has appeared just 14 times in the current season. However, it is being reported that he is now working very hard and is en route to recovery, hoping to get into the best possible shape and deliver the goods. Now, this is obviously not the first time madridistas hear something similar, but the truth is that both the management and the fans are hoping for Eden’s quick recovery and for him to be in prime condition to help the team and dazzle opponents like he used to in London.

Joachim Low a possible replacement for Zizou?

ESPN reports that Joachim Low might be in pole position to replace Zinedine Zidane, should the current season go South for Los Blancos. Joachim Low is currently coach of the national team of Germany but has announced that he will step down after Euro 2020 (which is played in 2021 because... COVID). A replacement hasn’t been announced and there are no heavy favourites for the role at the time of writing.

Low’s Germany team dominated the 2014 World Cup, which is his most known achievement. However, in more recent years, Germany haven’t been as fierce a team as they were back then, even recording their first ever group stage exit in 2018, after losing to both Mexico and South Korea.

What do you think? Do you believe that Low would be a hit at Real Madrid? Feel free to discuss below.

Have a great day and may the madridismo be with you.