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

Karim Benzema masterclass

Real Madrid gave Karim Benzema some well-earned rest in the second half for the disastrous Mariano Diaz, but the game was already well-won by then. And that’s largely thanks to Benzema, who was the obvious choice for Man of the Match after a tremendous opening 40 minutes in which he scored twice and assisted once.

His first goal was a well-struck penalty won by Vinicius Junior. His second was a header created by the unselfish Casemiro. And his assist was the best of the bunch, as he did well to create space for his cross and then lofted a world-class ball with his left foot to Alvaro Odriozola at the back post. And Odriozola had no choice but to score.

The ingenious No. 9 even came close to a hat trick, just missing from a free kick. It was another tremendous performance from Benzema, who now has one more goal than Spanish international Gerard Moreno and is just two behind the leader of the Pichichi race, ultra-rival Lionel Messi.

Benzema had three shots on target and two key passes in a commanding performance at the Ramon de Carranza. And he got his rest in the end, which is important with Real Betis and Chelsea coming up. The No. 9 is Real’s MVP and a prime Player of the Year candidate.