With Carlo Ancelotti resting most of his big guns, Brahim Diaz got the job done for Real Madrid, scoring one goal and assisting another as Los Blancos breezed past Cadiz, 3-0, to come within touching distance of regaining La Liga.

Militao came closest for Los Blancos in the first half, his 30-yard effort stinging the palms of a sprawling goalkeeper. Carlo Ancelotti's side looked a more assertive side after the break. And Diaz provided the crucial moment, spinning his man before firing a guided effort into the top corner from outside the box.

Diaz set up the second, too, cutting back for Jude Bellingham, who got on the scoresheet within five minutes of being substituted on. Dani Carvajal could have put the game beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining, but fired over with the goal gaping. Joselu made up for his miss, though, completing a sweeping counter-attack to seal a convincing victory in second half stoppage time.

Madrid are now playing a waiting game. If Barcelona drop points against Girona in the Catalonian derby, they could be league winners by the end of the day.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu...

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Relatively untroubled in his first start this season. Good to keep a clean sheet.

Dani Carvajal (7/10):

Another impressive showing at right-back. Got forward well, and made some key interventions at the back.

Eder Militao (7/10):

Commanded the back line effectively as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.

Nacho (6/10):

As reliable as usual, even if his lack of pace was exposed on a few occasions. Assisted Joselu's goal late on.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Scampered down the left with regularity, and looked better defensively than in recent weeks.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Broke up play, offered some attacking thrust, and went on a few interesting runs from deep. A class act, less than a week after being benched against Bayern.

Luka Modric (8/10):

Completed almost all of his passes, and made most of them look lovely, too. Assisted Diaz's fine opening effort.

Dani Ceballos (5/10):

A few nice touches, but looked like he was trying to force it too often. Puzzling that he decided to stay at the club last summer.

Attack

Arda Guler (6/10):

Lively for periods, but the game wasn't open enough for him to work his magic. Good minutes under his belt, regardless.

Joselu (7/10):

Frustrated for 93 minutes. Got in all of the right areas, but lacked service to do much after getting there. Changed his fortunes with a wonderful goal in the 94th.

Brahim Diaz (8/10):

Opened the scoring with a magical turn and finish. Assisted Bellingham's goal, too. Would start for pretty much any other team in La Liga on current form.

Subs & Manager

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Not a bad sub to bring off the bench. Scored within five minutes of his introduction. Otherwise kept it simple, and linked play effectively in the final third.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Almost provided a ridiculous rabona assist. Key in the Madrid third.

Federico Valverde (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

Rotated heavily with one eye on the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday. Madrid were poor in the first half, before turning it on in the second. A classy win.