Three things we learnt from Cadiz 1-1 Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid travelled to the Estadio Ramon de Carranza to take on Cadiz on Sunday. Despite the 49 point gap separating the two teams, the game was a close affair with the lower-placed side seemingly better at times.Despite Ancelotti’s side recording over 60% possession on the night, it was Cadiz who presented constant threats in attack. The hosts recorded 21 shots on the night, including five shots blocked and three big chances missed.Mariano Diaz’s opener was quickly cancelled out by Ruben Sorino in the first half. Neither side was able to find the back of the net in the second half, and the sides split the points. The draw puts Cadiz on level points with Mallorca and presents them with a realistic chance of avoiding relegation. Here are three talking points from Cadiz vs Real Madrid.

1. A new look side at the Carranza

Real Madrid have both their eyes set on the Champions League final. With the domestic title sealed, every game is an opportunity for the manager to rest some key players and test his bench strength.On Sunday, the starting XI once again consisted of a combination of experience and bench players. With the result being inconsequential, a weakened team did no harm to Real Madrid’s cause. Thibaut Courtois has been one of Los Blancos‘ standout players this season, but was unwell for this game. In his place, the young Andriy Lunin got a start and did not let his manager down.While central defence remained untouched, Ancelotti decided not to risk Ferland Mendy at left-back on the night. Marcelo’s injury meant that a new face would have to cover the defensive position, and Lucas Vazquez was the one given that responsibility. At right-back, Jesus Vallejo recieved a deserved start after a spectacular display against Levante. Not much rotation was seen in midfield with Toni Kroos and Casemiro playing from the opening minute. The only change was Federico Valverde for Luka Modric. Both Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr were excluded from the team at the Carranza in preparation for the game in Paris. In their place, Mariano Diaz and Rodrygo started alongside Marco Asensio in the final third.

2. Andriy Lunin: the new hero

One would expect Thibaut Courtois’ backup goalkeeper to be a downgrade when held against the Belgian’s astronomical standards. However, Andriy Lunin provided a performance on Sunday that even the best of the best would be proud of.In 90 minutes, the Ukrainian international made six saves, including five from inside the box. His performance even included a saved penalty, two high claims and two clearances.Oussama Idrissi was the first Cadiz player to test Lunin in the first half with a tenacious shot. A few minutes later, Sobrino produced a colossal strike to put the ball past the 23-year-old. Negredo combined with Perez at the hour mark in a move that saw the latter released free in front of goal. The Spaniard went down in the area and the referee pointed to the spot.The forward tried placing his spot-kick to the right side, but his effort was timid, and Lunin pounced on it to deny them the lead. He was called into action again seven minutes later when he had to deny Negredo from inside the box. In the 70th minute, Cadiz had what was their best chance of the game. Negredo’s cross was blocked by Lunin again, before then reaching Sobrino on the rebound.

3. The return of Toni Kroos

Kroos was brilliant once again. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

After a run of poor games, Toni Kroos once again ruled the midfield at the Carranza. The German was unplayable on the night, and possibly Real Madrid’s best player after Lunin.In 90 minutes, the World Cup winner created a whopping four chances and had an xA of 0.3. He finished the game with a passing accuracy of 96% and completed all 17 attempted long balls on the night.Defensive, Kroos was on point throughout the game. He produced two clearances, two-headed clearances, eight recoveries, and won four tackles. Kroos’ return to form comes as music to the ears of Real Madrid fans. Ahead of the biggest game of the year, having their three midfield stars at their imperious best will certainly give the team a massive boost in confidence.