November 26, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid catapulted themselves to the top of La Liga on Sunday, with an assertive 3-0 victory away at Cadiz. It was a performance catalysed by the imperious Rodrygo, whose first-half double thrust Los Blancos into an early lead. Jude Bellingham then marked his return from injury by grabbing the third goal to put the gloss on a consummate team display.
Bellingham had missed Madrid’s previous two fixtures with a shoulder complaint that also ruled him out of England’s recent Euro 2024 qualifiers. However, the 20-year-old showed no ill effects in a man-of-the-match display. The English Prodigy turned creator for Rodrygo’s second goal, before applying the final flourish himself with an unerring left-footed drive.
The result lifts Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid to the La Liga summit, temporarily displacing Girona from the top spot, who host Athletic Bilbao on Monday evening. Sunday’s commanding performance sets Madrid up ideally for their crunch UEFA Champions League tie with Napoli on Wednesday.
For Cadiz, despite flashes of enterprise, defeat leaves them languishing in 16th position. The Andalusians enjoyed promising spells in an open contest but lacked the ruthlessness of their aristocratic opponents in the final third. Brian Ocampo did force a sharp late stop from Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin.
The outcome means Cadiz remain just two points above the relegation places. However, on this evidence, their expansive style should be sufficient to retain their top-flight status come the season’s end.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
