Real Madrid vs Cadiz
Time – India: 10:00 PM (Saturday); UK: 5:30 PM (Saturday)
Venue: Estadio Di Stefano
Defending champions, Real Madrid, went into the international break on the back of a 2-0 win over Levante. Despite not being at their best — a trend we’ve been seeing since the beginning of the season — the Whites managed to bag their second away win of the campaign at a tricky venue.
Barcelona, who hosted Sevilla on the same matchday, dropped two points at the Camp Nou, allowing Los Blancos to clinch the top spot.
This weekend, Zinedine Zidane’s squad will welcome newly-promoted Cadiz to town, hoping to give them a proper taste of top-flight football.
Cadiz, who are currently ninth in La Liga, have accumulated seven points from their first five matches — sitting only three points shy of the champions.
Despite being the inferior team, Cadiz’s determination and devil-may-care attitude could make it an interesting watch for the neutrals.
Real Madrid vs Cadiz: Head-to-head
Total matches: 3
Real Madrid wins: 3
Cadiz wins: 0
Draws: 0
The two teams last met in the Copa del Rey in 2015. The favourites secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Cadiz, away at Estadio Ramon de Carranza. Despite coming out second-best in the first leg, Cadiz were adjudged the victors of the tie, summing up one of the most bizarre sagas in the tournament history.
Los Blancos’ Denis Cheryshev, who was on the score-sheet that night, was supposed to be suspended for his last-season infractions with Villarreal. Real Madrid, somehow, missed the fine print and was eliminated from the tournament as a result.
The two last crossed paths in La Liga back in 2006, which resulted in a 3-1 win for the Merengues. All other encounters took place before the turn of the century.
Real Madrid vs Cadiz: Recent form
Real Madrid: W-W-W-D-L (Most recent first)
Cadiz: D-W-L-W-L (Most recent first)
Real Madrid have been in fine form since the start of the season — bagging three wins and a draw. Their exploits have propelled them to the top of La Liga, and they intend to keep up the good work until the very last matchday.
They haven’t tasted defeat in La Liga in 15 matches and will look to bag their fourth league of the season at the weekend.
Cadiz, on the other hand, started the season with a defeat but have managed to scrape two impressive wins at Huesca and Athletic Bilbao. Their last match ended in a 1-1 draw against Granada.
Real Madrid vs Cadiz: Team news
Real Madrid
Real Madrid haven’t had the chance to use Eden Hazard this season and are set to miss him once again this weekend.
Thibaut Courtois, who returned to Madrid with slight discomfort, has recovered and is available for selection. Right-backs, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola have been ruled out, while Mariano Diaz and Eder Militao continue to nurse their respective injuries.
Absentees: Eden Hazard, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola, Mariano Diaz, Eder Militao
Doubtful: None
Cadiz
Cadiz, fortunately, have a smaller list of absentees. Luismi Quezada and Isaac Carcelen Valencia aren’t making the trip to Madrid, but the rest of the squad is available for selection.
Absentees: Luismi Quezada, Isaac Carcelen Valencia
Doubtful: None
Real Madrid vs Cadiz: Probable XI
Real Madrid: Lunin; Nacho, Ramos, Varane, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Valverde, Isco; Vinicius, Benzema;
Cadiz: Ledesma; Akapo, Cala, Mauro, Espino; Mari, Jonsson; Fernandez, Sanchez, Pombo; Negredo;
Real Madrid vs Cadiz: Where to watch
India: No Telecast
UK: La Liga TV (Premier Sports)
Stream in India: Facebook Watch on Facebook
Stream in the UK: Premier Sports Player
Real Madrid vs Cadiz: Prediction
34-time La Liga winners Real Madrid have started the season strongly. Their performances haven’t been up to the mark, but the results have been peachy as ever.
Their slender advantage at the top isn’t enough to give them breathing room, but they shouldn’t have to go into higher gear against the newly-promoted outfit.
Cadiz could force some uncomfortable moments, especially down the right flank, but they might not have enough to steal points off the league leaders.
We expect Real Madrid to extend their winning run on Saturday and put more pressure on Barcelona
Real Madrid vs Cadiz predicted scoreline: 3-1
Also Read: Real Madrid: How the next 3 games could set the tone for the season