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 a sushi night: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Kung_Fu_Zizou (AKA KFZ), Juninho, Ezek and, of course… yours truly.
OH NO! Impossible…
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: The Spanish Technical Committee of Referees have admitted 10 VAR errors across the 51 reviewed La Liga matches.
Atlético Madrid and Barcelona were among the most favored clubs by those VAR decisions. Real Madrid were the most affected negatively.
— @marcapic.twitter.com/MxcIYWmmfU
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 27, 2025
Who would’ve thought…
Okay, but jokes aside, referees — and I think we can all agree there’s plenty of room for work in Spain — are part of our problem. Let’s see how the boyz look playing football after the holidays.
Makes Sense
I’ve always adored Alaba as a footballer. Since his early Bayern days, I dare say. But, he’s been too injury prone and his intelligence won’t save his performances from a constantly collapsing body. I wish the man the best. And hey: if he can find his footing again, even better!
🚨⚪️ Real Madrid and David Alaba are still expected to part ways in summer 2026.
No changes at this stage, still no formal of official communication between the parties but clear indications. pic.twitter.com/8jEhhnGZQ3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 26, 2025
A Much Needed Transfer Target
🚨 JUST IN: Real Madrid are keeping their radar on for new creative midfield profiles. The big dream is Vitinha but currently it is seen as impossible.
There are other names in the club’s plan as well.
— @JorgeCPiconpic.twitter.com/mMFNjmJbyD
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) December 27, 2025
Still, it’ll be interesting to see who we end up going for. One thing’s for sure. It’s way too early to be entering this discussion, given Real Madrid rarely make winter moves.

