Stayin Alive: 24 March 2025

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d 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, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou

Mbappe and France Into Nations League Semis

Kylian Mbappé has played 500 official matches in his career so far. A significant milestone for a generational talent seemingly ready to to etch his name into Real Madrid and further into football folklore. The frenchman will continue to lead a talented generation of French footballers to the games biggest prizes.

Luka Modric’s Nations League adventure came to a halt at the hands of Deschamp’s Blues. After a scintillating display in the first leg, Croatia would once again fall at the feet of their bete noir.

Rudiger to Face Portugal in Nations League Semi

Toni Rudiger and the rest of Nagelsmann’s charges have brought Die Maanschaft within touching distance of silverware.

Arda Gets Some Joy

The Turk has found the going tough under the tutelage of the Don this season. Often being overlooked for consecutives matches. He will have welcomed the international break to once again enjoy his football and top it off with a goal. Hopefully he carries that confidence back to Valdebebas.

La Roja

Raul Asencio’s rise this season has seen him rewarded with a call-up to the national side and while he still needs to make his way into the XI, it’s a vote of confidence from De La Fuente who has already lead Spain to success at the Euros.

The International break comes with its challenges, least of all the fatigue the players face from travelling and competition for their respective countries. The players will have little time to recover as the competitions come thick and fast with the 2nd leg of the Copa del Rey followed by the first leg in the UCL quarter-final away at the Emirates. Real Madrid will have to be locked in to avoid an embarrassing end to the season. While the Blancos are alive in all 3 competitions, we always look halfway out the door. No new injuries despite some concern over Courtois. We should be glad to have everyone back in one piece soon.