Cadiz and Real Madrid drew 1-1 on the penultimate weekend of the La Liga season in an action packed contest. Madrid took the lead in the fifth minute, but Cadiz punished a Militao error to get a deserved leveller after 37 minutes. Cadiz could have even won it, but they saw a second half penalty saved. Ancelotti's side was made up of some players who had had less game time while the point for Cadiz means they are in the relegation zone after Mallorca's late win against Rayo. Mallorca and Cadiz both have 36 points while Granada on 37 are not out of trouble either.

Cadiz, who were two points above the drop zone at kick-off, went to attack from the off and Akapo hit wide within seconds. The home side made their intent clear, but within five minutes, they were behind. Rodrygo made a superb run down the far side before cutting into the penalty box and squaring for Mariano who tapped in.

That did not deter Cadiz though and they continued to threaten the Madrid goal. Asensio was denied by Ledesma at the other end, but then, in the 13th minute, Cadiz should have levelled. Negredo got himself into the box, but he was too unselfish and, instead of shooting, he passed for Lucas Perez at the back post and Nacho cleared for a corner. The game remained very open and the chances kept coming.

Fali made a terrific pass from midfield for Idrissi and Madrid's stand-in keeper Andriy Lunin had to turn the ball around the post with his left hand. However, seconds later, Cadiz got their leveller. Militao only managed to head the ball straight to Ruben Sobrino in the D, he controlled the ball and then his strike deflected off Militao's back and went in with the help of the crossbar.

Cadiz were not done and Negredo so nearly scored minutes later and then Eder Militao headed against the sidenetting at the other end after Cadiz goalkeeper Ledesma came out for a cross, but did not get to it. Cadiz had a draw at the interval, but the fact Mallorca were leading at home to Rayo meant Cadiz dropped into the bottom three on head to head.

The second half continued in the same vein with both teams attacking and, just before the hour mark, Cadiz were awarded a penalty after Lunin brought down Negredo in the box. Negredo dusted himself down to take it, but the goalie dived to his left to save the spot kick and prevent Cadiz taking the lead. Fortunately for the hosts, Rayo equalised seconds later at Mallorca and so Cadiz were once again out of the bottom three.

Neither side were content with the draw though as both teams went for the win and continued to enjoy clear opportunities. Negredo tried to make amends for his penalty miss and was denied by Lunin while Asensio tested Ledesma at the other end in the 67th minute. Cadiz somehow did not score 20 minutes from time after Negredo's header was saved by the GK and Sobrino was unable to turn in from two yards out.

Sergio Gonzalez's men continued to look for a goal which would have secured their La Liga status with a game to spare, but they were unable to find it. In fact, Real Madrid nearly got a stoppage time winner through Ceballos, but Ledesma turned the shot wide. However, Mallorca got a last gasp winner against Rayo and so Cadiz are in the bottom three on head to head. Cadiz, who had a late penalty appeal rightly turned down, will go to already relegated Alaves knowing survival is not in their own hands as they fight with Mallorca and Granada to avoid relegation.

May 15, 2022

Rubén Sobrino

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