Jude Bellingham marked his return with a goal as Real Madrid moved back to the top of La Liga courtesy of a 3-0 win over Cadiz.

It was the England midfielder’s 11th league goal, his 14th in all competitions, scored left-footed in the far corner past the hapless Conan Ledesma who had already conceded twice to Rodrygo.

The Brazilian forward had returned from international duty with a knee problem and was not on Carlo Ancelotti’s orginal team- sheet but a stomach problem for Brahim Diaz meant he started the game and he scored the opening goals for rampant Madrid.

Bellingham made intelligent runs off the ball to help his team-mate grab the brace. Rodrygo took full advantage of the space created with two brilliant finishes into the top corner either side of half-time.

This was a potential slip-up fixture for Real Madrid. They were missing the injured trio Vinicius, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. It meant that Luka Modric was starting a match alongside Toni Kroos for the first time since Madrid’s only loss so far this season away at Atletico Madrid.

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.