Real Madrid: Four takeaways from a 3-0 win over Cadiz

Real Madrid needed to deliver a thoroughly professional performance on Wednesday night at the Ramon de Carranza after dropping points over the weekend against Getafe. With a target on their back following Florentino Perez’s ill-advised European Super League attempt, Los Blancos had added motivation beyond their desire to avenge an early-season upset to Cadiz.

Zinedine Zidane’s men rose to the occasion, as they scored three goals in the first half en route to a 3-0 win.

Here are three takeaways from the big win.

Antonio Blanco already has Madridista hearts

Real Madrid fans were impressed with Antonio Blanco’s encouraging half-hour off the bench against Getafe, as he played very well defensively for Los Blancos as they kept a clean sheet. Blanco got the start against Cadiz and repaid Zinedine Zidane’s trust by delivering an excellent performance in the middle of the park next to Casemiro.

Blanco started the game with confidence, taking a shot from well beyond the box that was deflected for a corner. He wasn’t afraid to take defenders on and showed some nifty skills and touches. As expected, the Castilla man defended competently and was a part of Real’s latest clean sheet effort.

According to WhoScored.com, Blanco had three interceptions, two blocked shots, and completed 93 percent of his 56 pass attempts.

Those are excellent numbers. Blanco is a composed midfielder who is an asset defensively. Madridistas should be looking forward to more starts from him, and many, of course, had already been asking Zidane to give him opportunities. Clearly, he’s earned them now.