Immediate Reaction: Cádiz 0-3 Real Madrid

Here’s our quick reaction. Still to come: Player ratings, post-game podcast, post-game quotes, and a ton more.

With all of the drama we have had to endure over the last few days, it became easy to forget that Real Madrid had a fixture today - or that there was even a season left to play out at all. Cádiz managed to sneak away with all three points last time out after recording a 1-0 at Valdebebas, and with player and staff focus more than likely belonging elsewhere recently, this important game could prove to be just as tricky. Madrid continued to suffer from a severe lack of player availability, meaning that Castilla player Antonio Blanco was given a start just days after his first team debut. Fellow Castilla players Diego Altube, Víctor Chust, Miguel Gutiérrez and Sergio Arribas all made the bench. Marcelo came back into the line-up, leading the team out on his return.

After a cagey start, the game quickly settled in Madrid’s favour and they were able to push on and create some real danger. After an initial penalty shout for a shirt pull on Rodrygo Goes was rejected, the Brazilian was then fouled inside the area to give the referee no choice. Karim Benzema is a name I have saved so I don’t have to type it out every week, and he slotted home the penalty with ease to make it 1-0. One name I haven’t had saved was that of Álvaro Odriozola, who ate up Benzem’a cross to head through the keepers legs and double the lead. Madrid were in full flow now, and it wasn’t long before Karim bagged his second. There were some initial offside shouts, but thanks to some quick movement of the ball in the penalty area - Benzema’s tap-in stood to confirm the 3-0 score-line at half time.

As already overworked legs began to tire, and five new faces were brought on - the game became mild and more relaxed. Mariano came on and did everything but score as he rounded the keeper before hitting a strike wide. Casemiro also came close to a fourth for Madrid but the ball somehow flew over the target. Cádiz were admittedly done and dusted, and never really posed a threat in the second half - allowing Madrid to maintain their 3-0 lead with ease and secure the three points. This win puts them momentarily at the top of the table as both Atlético Madrid and Barcelona play tomorrow. With everything that has occurred over the past few days, what are your guys’ thoughts on both the game, and football in general?