Cadiz 0-3 Real Madrid: Player ratings as Karim Benzema inspires Los Blancos again

Karim Benzema's brace and an Alvaro Odriozola header gave Real Madrid a 3-0 win over Cadiz on Wednesday night, temporarily moving Los Blancos ahead of Atletico at the top of La Liga.

It took a while for Zinedine Zidane's men to find their rhythm but they eventually broke the deadlock on the half hour mark. A VAR check highlighted that Isaac Carcelen had taken down Vinicius Junior in the box, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Benzema stepped up and clinically converted via the fingertips of Jeremias Ledesma. Los Blancos doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Benzema clipped a delightful cross to the back post, where Odriozola was waiting to nod home.

Real were able to make it 3-0 five minutes before half time when Benzema (you could've guessed by now) was left free to head into the bottom corner from Casemiro's chip into the six yard box, bagging his 21st La Liga strike of the campaign.

With second half chances coming at a premium, Zidane's side were able to comfortably see out the game to secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Cadiz. The win sees Real leapfrog city rivals Atletico to claim top spot before Diego Simeone's side play Huesca on Thursday evening. Now, let's see how Los Blancos rated.

REAL MADRID PLAYER RATINGS

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 6/10 - Once again was authoritative whenever the ball came near him but was rarely tested, making just three simple stops.

Eder Militao (CB) - 6/10 - Made quite a few wayward passes as he looked to switch play from deep, but undertook his defensive duties well enough, rarely putting a foot wrong.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 7/10 - Never looked fazed against the strong Cadiz front line, winning three aerials duals against the likes of Alvaro Negredo. Also covered for his colleagues well, making four clearances.

Nacho Fernandez (CB) - 8/10 - A true warrior's performance. Strong, determined and uncompromising with his challenges, making seven interventions. Was crucial in his side's second goal as he won the ball back in the final third.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders

Alvaro Odriozola (RWB) - 7/10 - Was too hesitant on the ball, constantly opting to pass backwards rather than take on his man. However, he headed well to make it 2-0 in the first half.

Casemiro (CM) - 8/10 - Was a brilliant pivot for his side. Strong and effective when breaking up play while also staying neat and tidy on the ball to make simple and progressive passes, notably assisting Benzema's second goal.

Antonio Blanco (CM) - 8/10 - Calm and collected on the ball, often choosing the right pass to develop play and maintained a 93% accuracy. At times sat deep to allow Casemiro the occasional surge forward to challenge in the Cadiz box. An intelligent, solid and effective showing on his full debut.

Marcelo (LWB) - 7/10 - Showed great skill when surging up the left and delivered some quality into the box, making one key pass. Didn't forget about defensive duties, either, making five tackles throughout.

3. Forwards

Rodrygo (RW) - 6/10 - Was dangerous in advanced areas, picking the ball up to drive at the opposition but just wasn't quite clinical enough with his end product.

Karim Benzema (ST) - 9/10 - Where would Real Madrid be without this man? Two well taken goals and a brilliant assist stole the show in Cadiz - crucial isn't even the word.

Vinicius Junior (LW) - 6/10 - Really energetic and hard-working, but only occasionally threatened. Did have an impact, though, winning the penalty that lead to the opener.

4. Substitutes

Dani Carvajal (RB) - 7/10 - Good to see the Spaniard get minutes under his belt and looked solid against his opposite numbers while also notching one key pass.

Marco Asensio (LW) - 6/10 - Added fresh creative impetus up front, making one key pass but wasn't able to really penetrate the Cadiz back line.

Isco (CM) - 5/10 - Might have been somewhat preoccupied by the fact it was his birthday, because he really didn't make an impact with the possession he had for his half-hour stint on the field.

Mariano Diaz (ST) - 5/10

Miguel Gutierrez (LB) - 6/10