Casablanca – Real Madrid coach José Mourinho spoke highly of Moroccan international Brahim Díaz following Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, where the midfielder provided an assist despite playing just 12 minutes.
Brahim entered the match in the 78th minute in place of Arda Guler and contributed to Madrid’s fourth goal nine minutes later.
The Moroccan found Yan Diomande inside the penalty area, and the Ivorian winger sent a powerful first-time volley into the top corner to complete the victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After the match, Mourinho discussed the performances of several squad members, including Brahim, who has yet to establish himself as a regular starter under the Portuguese coach.
“Brahim is another who isn’t starting matches, and every time he is on the field, I like him a lot. We return to the story of meritocracy,” Mourinho said during his post-match press conference.
The coach made the comment while discussing Eduardo Camavinga’s performance and his decision to rotate the squad ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.
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Mourinho explained that his players’ efforts in training gave him the confidence to make changes, even when those decisions meant leaving other deserving players on the bench.
His remarks offered some encouragement for Brahim, who continues to compete for minutes in a squad with several attacking options.
The Moroccan’s contribution also earned recognition from Diomande, who described his goal during an interview with Real Madrid TV.
“Brahim passed me the ball, and I thought, ‘I’m going to try.’ One touch and boom,” the Ivorian said.
Madrid had taken the lead through Bernardo Silva shortly before halftime, while Guler doubled their advantage early in the second half.
Kylian Mbappé added a third before Tidiam Gomis reduced the deficit for Leipzig. Diomande then restored Madrid’s three-goal lead with his spectacular finish.
The victory gave Mourinho’s side nine points from their opening three Champions League matches and maintained their perfect record in the competition.
With Barcelona awaiting on Sunday, Brahim will hope his latest contribution earns him another opportunity to impress Mourinho in one of Madrid’s biggest fixtures of the season.
