OPEN THREAD | March 22, 2026
· Yahoo Sports
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel.
Gameday!! Huge clash in the context of La Liga.
The Santiago Bernabeu awaits round 2 of the Madrid Derby. Who would have thought that Atleti would be so pivotal to the fortunes of Real and Barca in both La Liga and the UCL. They’ve already knocked Barca out of the Copa Del Rey and now have the chance to do so in the UCL as well. Additionally they also host Barca in La Liga at the Wanda a week after tonight’s derby. Let’s hope it all goes to plan starting with a Los Blancos win tonight. Hala Madrid!!!
Visit tr-sport.bond for more information.
👊 Desire. Drive. Determination. DERBY. pic.twitter.com/o5EFRZGU30
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 21, 2026
💪 Last training session before the derby! pic.twitter.com/StydGHtMqA
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 21, 2026
🚨 Players out of the derby tomorrow:
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 21, 2026
• Real Madrid:
Ceballos
Courtois
Mendy
Militão
Rodrygo
•Atletico Madrid:
Pubill
Oblak
Barrios
Rodrigo Mendoza pic.twitter.com/15ho3LMiEM
🚨 Alvaro Carreras is expected to START vs Atletico.
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 21, 2026
He completed the full training session yesterday.
He is at a 100%. @diarioaspic.twitter.com/1Yp9pb07nJ
The real test for Arbeloa.
Comes when all the big guns are available at the same time. Godspeed and good luck coach.
🚨🗣️ Arbeloa: "Jude Bellingham is already AVAILABLE.
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 21, 2026
I think he's going to PLAY vs Atletico. I'm really looking forward to seeing him on the field already." pic.twitter.com/y7g7VqF1oZ
🗣️ Alvaro Arbeloa: “As manager, I have to ensure our heavyweight players link up together well on the pitch.” pic.twitter.com/YMjwSoMhuR
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 21, 2026
🗣️ Alvaro Arbeloa: “Thiago Pitarch and Jude Bellingham's return? We'll cross that bridge, when we get there. Bellingham's return is excellent news. Thiago's performances have been remarkable. There are a lot of matches, I love that kind of challenge. They can also play together.” pic.twitter.com/k6rT0IEil7
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 21, 2026
🚨🗣️ Alvaro Arbeloa: “Kylian Mbappé will DEFINITELY play tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/bwqK0docwO
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 21, 2026