With two goals in Real Madrid’s easy 3-0 victory against Cadiz on Sunday, Rodrygo sent the team to the temporary top of La Liga.
Jude Bellingham, the highest scorer in La Liga with 11 goals so far this season, was also assisted by the Brazilian winger.
Madrid moved one point ahead of Girona, who will visit Athletic Bilbao on Monday in an attempt to take back the top spot.
After Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano, Carlo Ancelotti’s team gained four points over third-place Atletico Madrid and fourth-place opponents Barcelona.
Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga sustained long-term injuries over the past two weeks, joining Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Aurelien Tchouameni on the sidelines. This struck a serious blow to Madrid.
For just his seventh La Liga start, Ancelotti started experienced playmaker Luka Modric in defensive midfield and started Toni Kroos.
Bellingham made a comeback as well, having missed two league games due to a shoulder injury.
After 14 minutes, Rodrygo dribbled across the penalty box and curled a stunning strike into the top right corner, giving Madrid the lead. Madrid dominated the first few minutes of play.
The Brazilian had a difficult season to score goals, but Ancelotti never gave up on him. With Vincius out, the Brazilian will be essential to Madrid in the upcoming weeks.
With his goals, Rodrygo has scored for the first time in three straight games since joining the team in 2019.
In a free-flowing first half, Cadiz also had opportunities; Chris Ramos headed over prior to Rodrygo’s opening goal, and Andriy Lunin saved a strong effort from Roger Marti.
After Rodrygo dribbled around Cadiz goalkeeper Conan Ledesma early in the second half, Madrid should have extended their lead, but Joselu left it to him to finish, and he left it for the seasoned striker as the ball ran out of play.
But Rodrygo scored his second goal shortly after, gliding into the area from thirty yards out and scoring another excellent strike.
Following Maxi Gomez’s failed opportunity for the hosts, Bellingham’s third goal was set up by the inspirational Rodrygo, and the England international finished with a neat low finish across goal with his left foot.
Ancelotti pulled out both goal scorers after the game, giving rookie attacker Gonzalo Garcia his start.
Wednesday is Madrid’s Champions League matchup against Napoli. The team has already advanced out of its group, but they still want to win the championship.
Earlier on Sunday, Jose Luis Morales’ hat-trick helped Villarreal defeat Osasuna 3-1 as Marcelino Garcia Toral triumphed 3-0 in his first game back as La Liga manager.
Real Sociedad defeated Sevilla 2-1, with Sergio Ramos and Jesus Navas receiving red cards.