Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory over Cadiz as they control the match from start to finish
Real Madrid cruised to a 2-0 win over Cadiz, dominating from the opening whistle and leaving the visitors with little breathing room. A combination of relentless pressure and sharp finishing finally unlocked Cadiz after a tense spell, with Nacho and Asensio grabbing the goals as Rodrygo and Benzema created the danger repeatedly. A standout performance by goalkeeper David Gil kept Cadiz in the tie for longer than the scoreline suggested, denying several clear chances to the Madrid attack.
Rodrygo, operating on the left in Vinicius Junior’s absence, produced a solid display with moments of real quality. Both he and Benzema spurned opportunities, each arriving at critical moments but denied by Gil on more than one occasion. The match finally swayed when Nacho’s powerful drive from the front found the back of the net after a sustained Madrid push. Gil’s heroics mattered in the early stages, but Madrid’s persistence paid off in the final stretch of the contest.
In a favorable turn for Madrid, Asensio completed the scoring with a swift counterattack, calmly guiding the ball past Gil to seal the result. The victory leaves Real Madrid ten points behind Barcelona as the season moves into its second half, while Cadiz, anchored in mid-table, sit 15th with 31 points, four above the relegation zone.
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Post-match reflections from Cadiz vs Real Madrid in the 2022-2023 campaign
Ancelotti, in the post-match briefing
Asensio remains at a high level. He may log fewer appearances at times, but his impact is undeniable: he contributes goals and assists and remains a decisive asset for the team.
On team cohesion, the coach emphasized collective performance. The overall effort at a crucial point in the season was outstanding, even if results demanded more. With many players available, he noted that even when doubts arise, the squad has ample resources to rely on.
Regarding the squad’s physical state, he highlighted impressive stamina across the lineup. Acknowledging that Benzema played a full 90 minutes on Wednesday and again three days later, he framed it as a sign of the side’s exceptional fitness at this stage of the campaign.
On the league program, the coach admitted that consistency has not always been perfect and that January results weighed on the team, creating some late-season pressure. Nonetheless, he pointed to the depth of the squad and the sharpness of players ready to contribute when called upon.
Benzema’s endurance impressed the staff, who noted his quality and freshness even in demanding moments. The plan to rotate players to maintain peak form was clear, with upcoming fixtures in mind.
For Vinicius and Kroos, the message was that minor discomfort prevented both from starting this match, but individual work sessions ahead of their next appearances were expected to restore full readiness.
Courtois, in the wake of the game
Courtois praised the overall performance, compliments that extended to the goalkeeper on the other side and the balance of the game. He emphasized that scoring more would have capped a dominant display and expressed hope of saving some energy for the next clash.
The goalkeeper pointed to a combination of good concentration and the opponent’s efforts as factors in the outcome. He underscored the importance of maintaining freshness given the fatigue from a busy schedule across multiple competitions.
Courtois also spoke about the need for continuity in La Liga while balancing cup and European commitments. He stressed that staying physically fit would help the team remain competitive in the weeks ahead and that individuals would be ready for the next challenge.
Minute-by-minute update
Full time signaled the end of proceedings.
Minute 90. Four added minutes.
Minute 79. Modric and Hazard replace Rodrygo and Valverde.
Minute 76. Asensio nets after a rapid Madrid counter, finishing with precision to make it 0-2.
Minute 72. Nacho opens the score with a composed finish after a cross from the left, beating Gil and boosting Madrid’s momentum. A well-crafted finish from a youngster who has grown into a key contributor.
Minute 67. Camavinga comes on for Lucas Vázquez, with Nacho shifting to the right.
Minute 64. Benzema hits the post as Madrid presses, underscoring the visitors’ missed chances despite their dominance.
Minute 57. A sharp corner results in a chance for Valverde, but the finish glances wide.
Minute 56. A near-miss for Madrid as Rodrygo fails to convert a setup from Valverde.
Minute 54. Jorge Meré enters for Raúl Parra.
Minute 49. David Gil denies Rodrygo again, parrying a well-placed shot after a Militao pass. Madrid’s relentless pressure pressured the Cadiz keeper throughout the half.
Minute 46. Second half underway.
Rest at halftime.
Minute 40. Rodrygo nearly finds the net with a powerful strike, but Gil stands tall to deny him in a one-on-one situation.
Minute 34. Benzema eyes a finish after a slick move from Rodrygo, but the crossbar denies him and Gil maintains the scoreline.
Minute 28. Yellow card for Rubén Alcaraz.
Minute 18. Gil again denies Madrid as Benzema’s shot is saved. Ancelotti later argued for a possible penalty against the French forward.
Minute 15. Gil again denies an Asensio header after a clever setup in the box.
Minute 12. Cadiz hits the post as Pacha Espino fires a powerful shot from the left.
Minute 5. Benzema’s solo effort ends in a corner after a defender’s block.
Minute 1. Kick-off margins narrow as both squads prepare for action.
20:50 | Teams preparing to take the field.
20:00 | Cadiz announce their starting XI.
7pm | Real Madrid confirm their starting lineup.
6pm | Three hours before the league match between Cadiz and Real Madrid, anticipation builds.
The previous Cadiz vs Real Madrid encounter in La Liga 2022-2023
- Cadiz earned points in three of their last five league games against Real Madrid, matching their previous record across 15 meetings in the competition.
- Real Madrid began with losses in Cadiz but later turned the balance away from home, losing just one of the following 12 meetings in La Liga at Cadiz.
- Madrid has not suffered a defeat in their last 11 trips to Andalusian clubs in La Liga, a record stretch illustrating their strength on the road during this period.
- Cadiz can still aim for two consecutive league wins for the first time since May 2021, following a stretch of mixed results.
- Madrid are balancing a tight run with several defeats earlier in the campaign, seeking to maintain momentum as the season advances.
- Real Madrid benefited from occasional own goals in recent La Liga games, a reminder that moments of fortune have sometimes helped their bid for points.
- Benzema has a strong record against Villarreal in La Liga and could extend a notable scoring streak against top opponents this season.
- Real Madrid have been the team with the most shots on goal in La Liga this season, while Cadiz has faced the fewest on target—an intriguing contrast in the league’s dynamics.
- Theo Bongonda has contributed in multiple games for Cadiz this season, highlighting his influence in attack and build-up play.
- Sergio Gonzalez, Cadiz coach, has yet to beat Real Madrid in La Liga, his longest streak without victory against the club in league play.
Where to watch Cadiz vs Real Madrid?
Confirmed lineups for Cadiz vs Real Madrid
Cadiz (4-4-2): David Gil; Raúl Parra, Luis Hernández, Fali, Espino; San Emeterio, Alcaraz, Bongonda, Cousin; Chris Ramos and Sergi Guardiola.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Valverde; Asensio, Rodrygo and Benzema.
Source: Goal