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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.
Another Twist in La liga.
Something miraculous happened in Spain last night. Little Granada went into the Camp Nou missing as many as six first team players and WON. For the first time ever!!! On their previous 24 trips they didn’t even manage a draw in any of those encounters. Barcelona Coach Ronald Koeman also managed to get himself sent off in the process. This result once again changes the landscape of the La Liga title race and hands a boost to Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Sevilla.
The full #LaLigaSantander table after Matchday 33! #LiveStandings pic.twitter.com/xNvr7WcuDd
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) April 29, 2021
What does the result at Camp Nou mean for the game against Osasuna?
Marca previously reported that Zidane had planned to rest Modric and Kroos and possibly even Benzema for the game against Osasuna. With Granada winning against Barca, does Zidane rethink his strategy for this must win game at the weekend. With both midfielders already overburdened this is a tough decision and essentially comes down to which competition does Real Madrid prioritize. This brings us to our poll question:
Poll
Should Zidane risk either Modric or Kroos or both against Osasuna?
This poll is closed
-
62%
No
(310 votes) -
33%
Yes
(167 votes) -
4%
Other suggestions (Please elaborate in the comments)
(22 votes)
Player updates!!!
One piece of good news is that Captain Sergio Ramos is back training with the team and could be available for the game this weekend. Mendy is ruled out against Osasuna however but hopefully should be back for Chelsea. Fede Valverde’s status is up in the air at the moment as he waits to test negative from Covid-19.
⚙ The fine-tuning continues at #RMCity! pic.twitter.com/js7Pe6RaYc
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) April 29, 2021
No fans after all for the end of La liga.
As reported by El Larguero, the Spanish Ministry of Health stopped the Government’s proposal and postponed the return of fans in La Liga. There is fear that the situation will get out of control with everything at stake in the last days. Can’t really blame the health ministry for taking that stance.
ICYMI: Steve McManaman: “Maybe if Zidane was in England, we would be lauding him even more”
Matt Wiltse’s article reports on both McManaman and Joe Cole’s thoughts on the current Madrid manager. Give it a read.