The La Liga relegation battle is getting closer with only ten rounds remaining as there are only nine points separating Espanyol in 19th place and Celta Vigo in 10th place going into this weekend’s games! After their recent 2-0 victory at Real Betis, Cádiz are currently in the heart of that upheaval.
The team of Sergio González will now attempt to stay alive at home, where they have won 18 of their total 31 points this season while losing only one of their previous 11 league games (W4, D6). The visit of Real Madrid poses a big threat to that positive record, but there’s plenty of reason for confidence at the Nuevo Mirandilla, as Cádiz have averted defeat in three of the five H2H matches since returning to the top-flight (W1, D2, L2).
Los Blancos have already qualified for the league’s semifinals thanks to Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s midweek 2-0 UEFA Champions League triumph against Chelsea. Los Blancos are aiming to win back the competition. Progress in Europe has been essential considering their domestic title defense is in shambles and their 13-point deficit to leaders Barcelona at the weekend following a 3-2 loss to Villarreal at home in a game in which they twice blew the lead.
An improvement on the road, where Real have lost their previous two league games, is now necessary to cut the deficit or even keep second place. Real are attempting to avoid going three away games without a victory since the conclusion of the 2018–19 season, so Ancelotti may be considering the midweek trip to Chelsea in the back of his mind.
Rubén Alcaraz, a midfielder for Cádiz, is expected to be at the center of the action because he has scored or had a booking in five of his last eight matches. Marco Asensio might start if Ancelotti decides to switch things up after their European match because he directly assists a goal per 93 minutes across all competitions this season.
TEAM NEWS
Gonzalo Escalante and Brian Ocampo will be out for Cadiz once more due to injury, and Juan Cala, Jon Ander Garrido, and Joseba Zaldua are still huge question marks due to fitness concerns.
Due to Jeremias Ledesma’s continued absence from the home team due to suspension, David Gil will continue to play goal for the Yellow Submarine.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the same starting lineup for this game after the great performance against Real Betis, with Chris Ramos and Sergi Guardiola possibly forming a front two.
While Ferland Mendy is now unavailable for selection due to a calf injury, Real Madrid only has one first-team injury at the moment.
The European and Spanish champions have not disclosed any new problems following their meeting with Chelsea, but it is anticipated that they will make significant alterations to their starting lineup.
Eder Militao, Benzema, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Federico Valverde might be rested before the match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in favor of Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Asensio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Nacho, and Dani Ceballos.
Likely starters for Cadiz CF
Gil, Carcelen, Hernandez, Fali, Espino, Bongonda, Fede, Alcaraz, Sobrino, Guardiola and Ramos.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup
Courtois, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Nacho, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Ceballos, Asensio, Rodrygo and Vinicius.
We predict: Cadiz CF 1-2 Madrid Real
While Real Madrid are anticipated to rest a number of key players, Cadiz will undoubtedly be the fresher of the two teams. Despite this, we still think the defending champions will be able to come out on top in Saturday’s game.