Following his return, Jude Bellingham scored as Real Madrid defeated Cadiz 3-0 to reclaim the top spot in La Liga.

The left-footed strike in the far corner was the England midfielder’s 11th league goal and his 14th goal overall. It was scored past the unfortunate Conan Ledesma, who had already let up two goals to Rodrygo.

The Brazilian striker didn’t make Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup after returning from international service due to a knee injury, but he did start the game and score the first goals for reigning champion Real Madrid because of a stomach issue for Brahim Diaz.

Bellingham assisted his teammate in grabbing the brace by making shrewd runs off the ball. With two outstanding finishes into the upper corner either side of halftime, Rodrygo made the most of the space that was created.

Real Madrid may have made a mistake in this matchup. The injured trio of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Vinicius was absent. It meant that, for the first time since Madrid’s lone away loss of the season against Atletico Madrid, Luka Modric was starting a game with Toni Kroos.

A goal from Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid to a straightforward 3-0 win against Cadiz

Bellingham scored his 14th goal for the Spanish giants since signing from Borussia Dortmund in the summer

The old timers passed Cadiz off the park and with Fede Valverde also performing well despite his international action with Uruguay, Madrid were too much for Caziz.

The home side have now not won in nine but they had their chances. Maxi Gomez missed open goal after coming off the bench in the second half. And just before the break Roger Marti went close. When Cadiz did get their shots on target Andriy Lunin made good saves.

Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga is close to fitness but he will have trouble dislodging the Ukraine stopper who has done well in his absence.

Rodrgyo was the star though. He has scored five goals in the last three games having only scored two in the first 15 matches of the season. Ancelotti kept faith with the 22-year-old and he has repaid it.

Modric hobbled off midway through the second half and that could be a problem for Madrid going forward in the absence of Camavinga and Tchouameni. But with Bellingham showing no signs of having been slowed down by his recent shoulder problem, the Italian coach will not be losing too much sleep over his options.