Real Madrid missed the chance to pull eight points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday night as they slipped to a surprise scoreless draw against Cadiz at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
? FT: @realmadriden 0-0 @Cadiz_CFEN #RealMadridCádiz | #Emirates pic.twitter.com/4G4FrwLXYv
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) December 19, 2021
Sevilla’s win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday had closed the gap to five points, though Los Blancos managed to restore it to six despite dropping points for the first time in eight games domestically.
Cadiz ended the night without a shot on target from the four they attempted, a figure dwarfed by the 36 attempts Real Madrid had at their goal.
The hosts were well on top from start to finish and looked to trouble their visitors from the start as Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior tried to hit them early.
Chances came and went though, first for Vinicius, then for Fede Valverde, and later from Ferland Mendy, but the sense that a goal would eventually come remained.
? When skills and talent meet hard work!
? Congrats for your amazing performance, @carlosakapo pic.twitter.com/i883628BcT
— Cádiz CF ???? (@Cadiz_CFEN) December 19, 2021
Carlo Ancelotti found himself frustrated with Cadiz’s time-wasting tactics from early in the first half, but the Andalusians’ gameplan went largely unpunished and they succeeded in getting under Los Blancos’ skin.
The second half continued along similar lines. Eden Hazard found himself frustrated, as did Toni Kroos and substitute Luka Jovic.
?️ Ancelotti: "For the fight and commitment, Cádiz deserved the point.”
?? Thank you Carlo, big respect for you pic.twitter.com/ZboPSeYUoV
— Cádiz CF ???? (@Cadiz_CFEN) December 19, 2021
David Alaba had a late chance to seal the points with a stoppage-time free-kick, but his effort couldn’t beat the wall and Kroos’ subsequent volley was tame.
The La Liga leaders are in action again on Wednesday when they visit San Mames to take on Athletic Club.
Courtesy: MARCA
