Real Madrid players did their duty on the field as they beat third division side Cadiz 1-3 in the Copa del Rey. However, it has emerged that they could be eliminated from the competition as they lined-up Denis Cheryshev, who was suspended in this tournament.
The Russian winger should have reportedly been serving a one-game suspension as he accrued three yellow cards in the last Copa del Rey season with Villarreal. Yet, nobody at the Madrid club was aware of this.
Coincidentally, Rafa Benitez men took an early lead as Cheryshev scored after three minutes. A ball from James found Cheryshev inside the area and the Russia international drove a powerful left-footed strike into the far corner.
Cadiz could have levelled in the next play, as Salvi sent the ball through for Cuero, but the striker was denied by Kiko Casilla.
The hosts started growing in stature with each passing minute, but Real had the best chances to score. Cheryshev found space on the flank and sent a cross in towards the near post, but Josete was able to hit it over for a corner.
Rafa Benitez seemed to have been warned of Cheryshev’s problem during the break and he opted to leave the Russian in the bench and bring Kovacic in.
Isco doubled the visitors lead as he got in behind Aridane, controlled the ball with an excellent first touch and sent it beyond the goalkeeper.
Ten minutes later, the Andalusian scored his second and sealed Los Blancos victory with 15 minutes to go as he got on the end of an exquisite through ball from James, cut inside his marker and forced a shot in at the near post.
