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 you’d totally treat to drinks: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail, Ezek Ix or yours truly.

So... There’s a good chance that’s the season

Los Blancos grinded the one-goal away win at the San Mames stadium, a result which -unlike eternal rivals Barcelona- keeps them in the title race. As per usual, the MM crew have covered the game in the immediate reaction. However, table leaders Atletico Madrid also pulled a comeback win in their match and therefore, black magic didn’t seem to work this time around. There is still a game to be played, of course, but the chances that Atletico slip up in the final game are thin. Yet, Real Madrid have to give it their all to win their final game and hope for the best. As always, the Royal Whites will fight to the end, be it bitter or sweet.

While last night’s match was possibly a season-defining one for the boyz in white, it was most certainly the season’s end for Castilla. The... younger boyz in white drew with Ibiza, which means that Raul-led Castilla’s bid for promotion is over. A shame, really, but the youngsters and the coach gave it all they had. They deserve a round of applause guys. You can read all about it in Kristofer McCormack’s article.

What next?

Boy oh boy, are the rumours about Zidane’s departure coming nonstop... According to Marca, Zizou denied the rumours of him telling the locker room he was leaving, while refusing to address the issues regarding the referee’s decision with his usual class. Raul also said in an interview that the Real Madrid first team is his home, while being heavily poised to take over Eintracht Frankfurt. And then, there’s Marca again, reporting that Max Alegri is in pole position to replace Zidane.

Now, replacing Zidane is not as easy as it may sound, like we found out the hard way about 3 years ago. That goes double now that there aren’t many top-notch coaches available out there. Nonetheless... * in sinister voice * “I want to play a game ”

Transfer Stuff

• Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc states that Haaland will be staying in BVB for another season. Umm... “Zorc” though? ZORC?!?! I’m getting Yu-Gi-Oh! vibes here.
• Aouar is a potential target, though I wouldn’t bet on that condition being met...

Have a great day, have fun and may the Madridismo be with you all.