Real Madrid’s super second-half performance saw them cruise to a 3-0 victory over Cadiz and edge closer to the La Liga title.
The first half lacked quality with Carlo Ancelotti making wholesale changes due to the game falling in the middle of their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final tie against Bayern Munich.
Given Los Blancos’ healthy 11-point gap at the top of the table, today’s game was very much overshadowed and Cádiz had the best chances initially.
However, Real meant business in the second period and an early goal from Brahim was quickly doubled by substitute Jude Bellingham.
Madrid were firmly in control and a stoppage-time strike from Joselu secured the points.
The result means that they can secure the title tonight if Barcelona fail to beat Girona in a big Catalan derby.
Bellingham increased his goal tally to 18 for the season and has undoubtedly been Madrid’s best player.
There might be a party on the streets of the Spanish capital tonight, but the players will be firmly focused on getting to another Champions League final whatever happens.
Talking Point – Brahim the difference for Madrid
Bellingham may be the one that grabs the headlines after coming on and scoring with virtually his first touch, but Brahim is the real hero.
He was Real’s most threatening player and grabbed a goal and an assist to ensure Madrid picked up all three points.
The Moroccan came off the bench in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final and his impressive performance today could put him in contention to start on Wednesday.
A lot of players who were rested today are likely to come back in so Ancelotti has some big decisions to make.
Player of the match – Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)
There were some good performances defensively and Thibaut Courtois made an impressive return following a long-term injury, but Brahim was the star.
He took advantage of a mistake on the edge of the box to whip the ball into the top corner for the first goal and then his perfectly time cross found goal scorer Bellingham for Madrid’s second.
Player Ratings
Real Madrid: Courtois 7; Carvajal 7, Militao 7, Nacho 8, Garcia 7, Modric 7, Camavinga 6, Ceballo 6, Guler 6, Joselu 8, Diaz 9, Bellingham 8, Vinicius Jr 6, Valverde 5.
Cádiz: Ledesma 6; Zaldua 5, Chust 4, Fali 4, Hernandez 5, Navarro 5, Escalante 5, Alcaraz 4, Alex 4, Sobrino 5, Ramos 6, Juanmi 5, Alejo 5, Carcelen 5, Pires 5, Gonzalez 5.
Match Highlights
51 – GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-0 CADIZ (BRAHIM): Brahim breaks the deadlock. He cuts inside from the left and a slip from the Cadiz defender allows him to find the far top corner.
68 – GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-0 CADIZ (BELLINGHAM): A perfectly timed cross from goal scorer Brahim sets up Bellingham for his 18th goal this season.
90+4 – GOAL! REAL MADRID 3-0 CADIZ (JOSELU): It’s a superb counter attack from the hosts and the selfless Nacho squares it to Joselu who taps it in.