Cadiz vs Real Madrid result - Los Blancos held by relegation-threatened hosts despite early Diaz goal

Mariano finds a pocket of space and unleashes a low shot, searching for the bottom right corner. However, it curls just wide.

Despite their spirited start, Cadiz could have been 2-0 down.

Because of the searing heat, the referee allows the players to have a short break to get fluids on board.

This is a heavily rotated Real Madrid side and it shows. Cadiz have had more possession and more shots on goal.

Negredo's eyes light up as he finds himself unmarked inside the Real Madrid penalty area after Militao misses his header but just as he's about to pull the trigger Nacho steals in to make the tackle.

Valverde has had better efforts. He blazes over from distance and it was never troubling Ledesma.

Despite their lead, Real Madrid have not been convincing thus far.

What a run by Rodrygo!

Real Mallorca have taken the lead against Rayo Vallecano, meaning, as it stands, Cadiz fall into the bottom three.

Negredo holds off Militao as he closes in on goal but instead of shooting he tries to square it for Perez but Nacho beats him to the ball and scrambles it behind for a corner!

Real Madrid hit the visitors on the counter, Valverde leading the charge. Mariano takes over and his reverse pass releases Asensio, but there's no way past Ledesma!

Idrissa delivers a beautiful cross into the heart of the Real Madrid penalty area, it takes a deflection and drops behind for another Cadiz corner.

Positive response from Cadiz as they force a corner, Alcaraz remains forward as Real try to clear their lines. The defender has an effort on goal, it's blocked, he gets a second bite of the cherry but this time blazes over.

Real Madrid take the lead with their very first attack. Diaz scores but this is all about Rodrygo, who embarks on a fine solo run, breezing past two defenders with speed and strength before rolling it across the face of goal and Diaz taps home.

Negredo must be offside but the flag stays down and with his back to goal he tries to find a team mate in support with a cushion header. Real scramble the danger clear.

Cadiz are flying out of the traps, Idrissi racing down the left. Real fail to clear his cross, it drops to Sobrino whose half-volley is agonisingly close to opening the scoring.

We're up and running in this La Liga contest!

Cadiz XI: Ledesma, Akapo, Hernandez, Fali, Espino, Sobrino, Fernandez, Alcaraz, Idrissi, Perez, Negredo.. subs: Gil, Fiere, Jonsson, Mari, Sanchez, Lozano, Alarcon, Cala, Andone, Arzamendia, Carcelen, Chust.

Real Madrid XI: Lunin, Vazquez, Militao, Vallejo, Nacho, Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos, Rodrygo, Mariano, Asensio.. subs: Fuidias, Pineiro, Carvajal, Hazard, Ceballos, Mendy, Camavinga, Latasa, Fuentes.

Real Madrid were crowned La Liga champions some time ago and are playing for pride. But it's a much more important game for tonight's hosts and start the game just two points above the drop zone. A win, however unlikely that may be, would secure their safety as long as Mallorca and Alaves fail to win.

Speaking to the official club website, Ancelotti said: "The players know their objective very well, we have to come into the game with focus, commitment and intensity. That's important for the Cádiz game, to deliver a good performance and try and win it."

“We have to respect the schedule. There was a game midweek but in the next two weeks, we're going to do a good job so we're ready for the final"

Former Manchester City and Middlesbrough forward Alvaro Negredo supports Lucas Perez in the home side's attack as Cadiz hope to spring a surprise to boost their top-flight survival hopes.

Let's start with the visitors and Carlo Ancelotti is boosted by the availability of Marcos Asensio who is fit again and features in midfield. Eder Militao, Toni Kroos and Casemiro also return to the fold.