Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Cadiz: 8/10 Lunin stars; Vallejo, Militao struggle

Andriy Lunin was the star performer for Real Madrid as they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Cadiz at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on Sunday.

Real Madrid got off the blocks quickly and were in the lead just five minutes into the game as Rodrygo Goes went on a brilliant run, breezing past three Cadiz defenders before squaring the ball to Mariano Diaz, who made no mistake. Los Blancos should have doubled their lead not long after, but Marco Asensio spurned a great chance after being put through on goal.

Cadiz eventually grew into the game and had their first big chance through Oussama Idrissi, but the winger was denied by a brilliant save from Andriy Lunin in the Real Madrid goal. However, the Ukrainian shot-stopper could not stop Ruben Sobrino’s powerful effort in the 37th minute, as the home team levelled things up.

Real Madrid seemed to have regained control of the tie early in the second period, but a foul from Lunin on Alvaro Negredo at the hour mark gifted Cadiz a penalty. But the Ukrainian made amends for his mistake by pulling off a fine stop to deny the former Manchester City striker from the spot.

The hosts continued to create the better chances but found Lunin in their way while some of their efforts were off target as the game petered out to a 1-1 draw. Even though Carlo Ancelotti had made wholesale changes, Real Madrid ought to have put up a better showing against Cadiz but will be content with not losing the game. Here are our player ratings for Los Blancos’ stars.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Andriy Lunin: 8/10

Stepping into the side in place of Thibaut Courtois, the Ukrainian international repaid the manager’s faith with a strong performance between the sticks. Lunin made six saves on the night, including a stunning stop to deny Idrissi in the first half and a penalty stop in the second, although it was he who gave away the spot-kick in the first place. He needs polishing on his distribution.

Jesus Vallejo: 4/10

Shunted out in an unfamiliar right-back slot, Vallejo found it difficult to cope against Idrissi on his flank. Cadiz found plenty of joy on the wings, while the defender failed to offer much in the attacking sense either.

Eder Militao: 3/10

After a largely solid season, a few errors have started to creep into the performances of the Brazilian. Militao’s positioning was all over the place against Cadiz while he was culpable for the equaliser as his poor headed clearance gifted the ball to Sobrino. He needs to tighten up before the Champions League final.

Nacho: 6/10

The better of the back four for Real Madrid against Cadiz, although that is not saying much. Nacho had his problems against Negredo on the night but made no glaring errors and even bailed out his partner on occasions.

Lucas Vazquez: 5/10

The Spaniard was moved to an unnatural left-back slot, and naturally, he found it hard to make an impact on the proceedings. Cadiz looked to attack his flank regularly, and while he tried to get forward in support of Rodrygo, things did not always work out for Vazquez.

Federico Valverde: 7/10

One of the better performers on the night for Real Madrid as Federico Valverde was his usual energetic self, covering for Vallejo on the right-side channel while making several line-breaking runs to push the team up the pitch.

Casemiro: 5.5/10

Back into the lineup, the Brazilian was well below his best and seemed to be going through the motions at times. But, he still led the team in the number of clearances made on Sunday and was fairly accurate with his passing.

Toni Kroos: 7.5/10

The German pass master was reinstated to the starting XI after a rest in the last game and did what he does best, spraying passes with ease and creating chances for his teammates. Kroos finished the game with 118 passes completed and four key passes while putting in the hard yards off the ball.

Marco Asensio: 5/10

Not good enough from the Spaniard, who spurned a good chance in the first period and failed to impact the proceedings. Asensio did exhibit some neat link-up play and played three key passes, but it was a weak display overall.

Mariano Diaz: 6/10

Stepping into the side in the absence of Karim Benzema, Diaz scored the only goal of the game for Real Madrid, tucking away Rodrygo’s pass. He then created a chance for Asensio, which the winger failed to take. Mariano did not do much of note after that.

Rodrygo Goes: 7/10

The Player to Watch in our match preview, Rodrygo got off to a brilliant start on Sunday as he breezed past several Cadiz defenders before setting Mariano up for the opening goal. He looked dangerous each time he was on the ball as his confidence was on full display.

SUBSTITUTES

Dani Carvajal: 6/10

The veteran defender replaced Vallejo in the 64th minute and locked down the right flank while also offering an outlet in attack.

Dani Ceballos: 6/10

Ceballos came on for Valverde with a little under half-hour left to play. He kept ticking things along nicely and used the ball intelligently.

Eden Hazard: 6.5/10

The Belgian wing-wizard replaced Rodrygo in the 64th minute and looked lively on his return from injury. Hazard made a few good-looking dribbles and even played a key pass.

Juanmi Latasa: N/A

The Real Madrid Castilla striker made his first-team debut when he replaced Mariano in the 82nd minute.