/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67646373/499641160.jpg.0.jpg)
Match Preview
Real Madrid face the recently promoted Cádiz for the first time since 2015 at the Di Stéfano on Saturday.
Real are unbeaten in their last 12 home matches against Cádiz. They are also unbeaten in their last 15 LaLiga matches. This puts Real at the top of the league table, holding a point over second-place Real Betis.
Cádiz are doing fairly well since returning to the Primera División this season. They are currently ninth in the league table and are unbeaten in their last two league matches.
Injuries/Suspensions
Real Madrid received two players back from injury this weekend with Eder Militão and Toni Kroos. Militão has missed every LaLiga match so far due to injury and Kroos was able to feature for Germany in the Nations League over the break. Eden Hazard, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola and Mariano. Martin Ødegaard was also added to the injury list this week and will miss the match.
Cádiz will be without left back Luismi Quezada due to a knee injury. Right back Isaac Carcelén is also a doubt.
There are no suspensions for either club in Saturday’s meeting in Madrid.
Potential XIs
Real Madrid
Courtois; Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Rodrygo, Vinicius, Benzema
This is the second straight match where Real Madrid will be without a true right back option. Nacho will likely fill in this spot as he did against Levante a couple weeks ago.
Kroos will likely start upon a return since he started for Germany. Though there is always a chance he is integrated off the bench and Fede Valverde starts.
Right wing is always a question for Zidane’s starting squad, there’s a chance he goes with Rodrygo with Ødegaard out. Valverde has seen time here before and there’s always a chance Marco Asensio gets the starting nod as well.
Cádiz
Ledesma; Akapo, López, Cala, Espino; Mari, Jønsson; Salvi, Álex, Pombo; Lozano
Prediction
Real Madrid—Cádiz 3-1
This will be an interesting match for both sides coming off a week-long break. Real are looking to continue their unbeaten LaLiga streak and continue expanding their league lead.
Cádiz won’t go away easy as they have had a good start to their promoted season. This match should still favor Real, especially at home, but Cádiz will give them a challenge with the break and playing each other for the first time in several seasons.
Real want to get off to a good return to play after the international break. The train must keep rolling for Los Blancos to pick up the necessary three points and continue their streak going.