Open Thread: May 1st, 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.

Game day!!!

A big game ahead of us tonight as Real Madrid take on Osasuna at the Estadio Afredo Di Stefano. It is imperative that the home team get all 3 points to keep pace in the league table. As expected Mendy and Valverde didn’t make the match squad but Ramos also missing out was a bit of a surprise given that he had been practicing with the team. Here is the match day squad.

Which rotations can we expect?

Bit of a surprise to see both Modric and Kroos in the squad given that both desperately need a rest. Zidane might be forced to use them if the match starts to go haywire. It was previously reported that Miguel, Blanco and Rodrygo would all start but now nobody quite knows what Zidane is thinking. Recent reports have come out starting that Hazard would get 60 minutes. Safe to assume that Miguel at least will start on the left wing given that Marcelo has a civic duty commitment as well as being out of form.

Player Contract situations.

There’s been a turn around in the Lucas Vasquez contract negotiations. As reported by Lucas Navarrete the club has made an improved offer to the player and both parties are close to an agreement.

Luka Modric has also renewed his contract until 2022 with a 10% paycut and it will be announced shortly as reported by Arancha Rodríguez.

Per José Félix Díaz Varane and Nacho are in the process of either renewing or listening to proposals.

A report today from Fabrizio Romano states that Ceballos will not stay on loan at Arsenal beyond this season, and that he will return to Real Madrid.

Finally David Alaba is on his way to Real Madrid, the signing is secured as reported in the article by Robert Husby.

Churros y Tácticas Podcast: Hay So Much Salty Liga

In this podcast Kiyan Sobhani and Diego Lorijn break down Granada’s win, Villarreal’s run, Real Madrid’s squad and rotations over their next 2 games, the league title race, and more.