Result: Cadiz 0-3 Real Madrid
Date: 21 April 2021
Venue: Estadio Ramon de Carranza
Real Madrid moved to the top of LaLiga after defeating Cadiz 3-0, with Karim Benzema bagging a brace on Wednesday night.
Raphael Varane and Nacho returned to the Real defence, while Federico Valverde (Covid-19) and Luka Modric were not included in the matchday squad.
Cadiz looked the livelier of the two sides in the early stages, with Alvaro Negredo and Izquierdo going close to breaking the deadlock in the opening 15 minutes.
However, the opening goal would go to the visitors on 30 minutes as Karim Benzema converted from the penalty spot after Isaac Carcelén had brought down Vinicius Junior in the box.
The lead was doubled three minutes later as Benzema turned provider to pick out Alvaro Odriozola, who directed his header past the Cadiz shot-stopper at the far post.
Benzema capped off an impressive first by completing his brace five minutes before the break, with the Frenchman nodding home from Casemiro's cross.
After a flurry of changes from Cadiz at the start of the second half, Thibaut Courtois was called into action after the break to keep out Ivan Saponjic's attempted overhead kick.
Los Blancos went in search of more goal as the second half progressed, with Marcelo looking to get in on the act but his goal-bound effort was blocked just after the hour mark.
The visitors had to wait until the final four minutes for another clear-cut opening after Rodrygo Goes dragged his close-range effort just wide of the upright.
Nevertheless, the three first-half goals were enough to secure three points and top spot for Zidane's men, although Atletico Madrid are in action on Thursday night.
