After picking up just one point from their last two league games, a draw against Girona (1-1) and a surprising loss to neighbors Rayo Vallecano (2-3), Real had to absolutely respond with success in Santiago-Bernabéu. this thursday Carlo Ancelotti’s men, second in the League, achieved it, but not without difficulties, dominating the 19th, Cadiz with difficulty, to return to within two points of the leader, FC Barcelona.
Despite a lackluster game, the absence of Karim Benzema, who is still nursing his left thigh, was clearly felt, Real were still ahead at the break. Until then it wasn’t really dangerous, because there had only been a few shy attempts – Rodrygo (5th), Modric (25th), Valverde (28th) – the Madrid players were able to show realism in their only real opportunity. In the second half from a corner, Kroos sent a perfect cross to the head of Militao completely alone and the author of his third goal of the season in the League (41st).
The incredible failure of Luka Modric!
Cadiz, who threatened with two very distant shots – from Espino (12th, from 33 meters, touching the bar) and from Fali (45th + 2, from 40 meters, above) – and that had resisted well , before snapping right before the break, would he mentally dive afterwards?
Not really, because even after being logically (Vázquez and Valverde ayan had clear chances, 48th, 54th) losing 2-0 after a magnificent volley from Toni Kroos in a bad sending off (70th), the visitors shouters have not given up.
And the unmissable opportunity wasted by Luka Modric (79th) with a caviar from Vinicius: the Croatian resumes on the side when he was alone five meters from the empty goal! – could have cost the Whites dearly. Because after Lucas Pérez reduced the score (82nd), Espino had a great 2-2 ball in extra time, on a nice scoop from Ngeredo, but he sent his head over the top (90th + 3).. ..