With two goals by Rodrygo, Real Madrid defeats Cadiz 3-0 to take the lead in Spain.

With two goals by Rodrygo, Real Madrid defeats Cadiz 3-0 to take the lead in Spain.

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid defeated Cadiz 3-0 on Sunday, vaulting to the top of the Spanish league thanks in large part to Rodrygo’s two superb goals and one assist from Jude Bellingham, who was added to the team in the last minute.

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid defeated Cadiz 3-0 on Sunday, vaulting to the top of the Spanish league thanks in large part to Rodrygo’s two superb goals and one assist from Jude Bellingham, who was added to the team in the last minute.

With goals in the 14th and 64th minutes, Rodrygo quickly outran the Cadiz defense and into the top corner. He then assisted Bellingham in the 74th minute.

Madrid pulled ahead of Girona, which will visit Athletic Bilbao on Monday, by one point.

Bellingham scored his 14th goal in all competitions with Madrid. With eleven, he leads the league.

Although Rodrygo was supposed to start the game on the bench, Brahim Díaz’s gastrointestinal issues forced him to enter the starting lineup at the last minute.

It was Rodrygo’s first match after he claimed on social media the previous week that, as a result of Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Argentina in South American World Cup qualifying, he was the victim of racial taunts.

Vinícius Júnior and Eduardo Camavinga were also sidelined for Carlo Ancelotti’s team due to injuries sustained during the international break.

With eight games remaining in the season, Madrid has won two straight league games.

With six loses and three draws, Cadiz’s league losing run now stands at nine games. It maintained its position of 16th, two points above the relegation zone.

Following their 1-1 tie at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, the reigning champion Barcelona was still in fourth place.