- Real Madrid beat Cadiz 3-0 on Saturday to inch closer to La Liga glory
- Jude Bellingham comes off the bench to get on the scoresheet
- Madrid can win the title on Saturday evening if Barcelona fail to beat Girona
The pressure is all on Barcelona as Real Madrid clinched a comprehensive win over Cadiz at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham and Joselu delivered Los Blancos a 3-0 win to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 14 points with Xavi's men set to play Girona on Saturday evening.
Barcelona now need to win each of their remaining five games to have any hopes of derailing Madrid's push for the title.
How the game unfolded
The opening minutes set a tone of anticipation as Joselu came agonisngly close to breaking the deadlock, his eager attempt to meet Fran Garcia's low cross narrowly missing the mark.
Brahim electrified the pitch with his dazzling dribbling, propelling Los Blancos forward. And in the tenth minute, Eder Militao's powerful strike forced the Cadiz goalkeeper into action, marking the first save of the match.
Down the other end, Chris Ramos missed a golden opportunity for the visitors just before the half-hour mark. Presented with the ball just yards from goal, the number 16 fired his shot high and wide, bringing a moment of exhale from Thibaut Courtois.
The last significant opportunity of the first half arrived just before half-time as Eduardo Camavinga delivered an exceptional lobbed ball to find Joselu inside the area. However, the forward's volley sailed well over the woodwork.
Moments into the second half, Arda Guler curled a free kick wide, prompting him to look up to the sky in frustration, realising how close he had been to scoring.
Instead, it was Brahim - playing as Madrid’s attacking midfielder - who broke the deadlock as, in the 51st minute, he curled the ball past Jeremias Ledesma sublimely to send the Bernabeu into a frenzy.
Fali denied Carlo Ancelotti’s men a second less than ten minutes later as he bravely got his body in front of Joselu's shot. Nevertheless, it was 2-0 in the 67th minute when substitute Bellingham tapped home a Brahim cross from close range.
Joselu's luck didn't improve as he failed to connect with another low cross later on. Then, Vinicius Junior replaced Brahim, instantly showcasing his impressive speed and agility.
Militao got his head to a skilful cross from Vinicius within the final 10 minutes of normal time, Ledesma palming the effort wide, before Cadiz launched a series of attacks that kept Courtois on high alert.
Joselu rattled the post in added time before he slotted into an empty net, following a fast break, eliciting a sigh of relief from the forward and enhancing the final scoreline.
Real Madrid player ratings (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois - 8/10 - The goalkeeper put on a commendable performance, despite not being overly tested. He remained vigilant and made some solid saves and clearances whenever called upon, showcasing his readiness and reliability throughout the match.
RB: Dani Carvajal - 7/10 - No-nonsense and robust - exactly what Madrid needed at the back. Could have, and probably should have, scored his side's third goal.
CB: Eder Militao - 5/10 - Heavily involved in the game, making decent contributions in attack, but his defensive performance was concerning. Following a close call after 30 minutes, he almost caused a dangerous situation early in the second half with a poor backpass. However, he ultimately held firm and preserved a clean sheet.
CB: Nacho Fernandez - 8/10 - Came to the aid of his fellow centre-back Militao on occasion, clearing up trouble effortlessly. His defensive approach was straightforward and effective, and had an assist to his name come full time. El Capitan.
LB: Fran Garcia - 7/10 - Saw plenty of the ball and was a constant threat with it. Displayed many of Ferland Mendy's attributes which will be a source of encouragement for Ancelotti.
CM: Luka Modric - 7/10 - Didn't make any standout plays but instead focused on playing simple, effective football, allowing Los Blancos' younger players to showcase their skills and express themselves.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga - 8/10 - Consistently delivered forward passes and frequently found Joselu in the box during the first half. Also made crucial interceptions when Cadiz attempted to launch counter-attacks. Really solid.
CM: Dani Ceballos - 6/10 - Arguably the most quiet among Madrid's forwards. His contributions may have been less flashy but were nonetheless valuable to the team.
RW: Arda Guler - 7/10 - Manoeuvred the ball well and came close to getting on the scoresheet with a sweetly struck free kick. Made way for Bellingham after the hour mark with many supporters applauding the youngster's efforts.
ST: Joselu - 6/10 - It looked like it wasn't going to be his day. There were moments when he seemed hesitant to shoot or mistimed his runs into the box, resulting in Camavinga and Modric's passes appearing undercooked. However, the forward eventually got his goal, albeit a tap-in with the three points already certain for Los Blancos.
LW: Brahim Diaz - 9/10 - A goal and an assist, rightfully Player of the Match.
Substitutes
SUB: Jude Bellingham (66' for Guler) - 8/10
SUB: Vinicius Junior (73' for Brahim Diaz) - 8/10
SUB: Federico Valverde (80' for Camavinga) - N/A
Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK), Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, Toni Kroos, Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo.
Manager
Carlo Ancelotti - 8/10 - A comfortable afternoon for the Italian. The three points never looked likely to be Cadiz's and Madrid's substitutions made sure of that. Credit in resting so many key players and still emerging victorious.
