Open Thread: May 2nd, 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.

Real Madrid keep pace with Atletico with victory over Osasuna.

With Atletico winning in typical Atletico fashion, Los Blancos needed to do the same and managed to do just that through second half goals from Militao and Casemiro. Kroos and Modric were also able to finally get the rest they needed ahead of the game against Chelsea. The game was covered in detail in the immediate reaction, player ratings, 3 answers and 3 questions and Managing Madrid podcast. Eder Militao was the man of the match.

Next stop ——> Stamford Bridge

A massive season defining game now awaits Los Blancos as they fight to progress to the Champions League final in Istanbul against either PSG or Manchester City. Given that all four center backs might be available, does Zidane stick with the old duo of Ramos and Varane (despite Ramos just coming back from injury) or does he continue playing Militao, who has been playing lights out. Also will young Miguel Gutierrez be given a start in such a crucial game if Mendy can’t get fit in time? Will Zidane opt of 3 at the back again despite it not working last time or will he stick with the traditional 4-3-3? The backline selection will certainly be one to keep an eye on. Another interesting discussion point is whether Eden Hazard should start or not after looking sharp against Osasuna.

David Alaba!!!

With Fabrizio Romano doing his typical “here we go” tweet in regards to Alaba to Real Madrid, what do Madridistas think of this signing?

How bout them kids?

With Los Blancos ravaged by injuries, Raul’s Castilla kids have certainly stepped up, namely Antonio Blanco, Miguel Gutierrez and Sergio Arribas. While Blanco played the full 90 minutes against Osasuna, the latter two had good cameos as well. Antonio Blanco made 22 ball recoveries in his last 2 games (more than any other player). At this point it appears that they are already ready to make the jump to La liga and should either be promoted next season or loaned out to a first division club.