Morocco international Brahim Díaz provided an assist after coming off the bench as Real Madrid defeated RB Leipzig 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, October 21.
The 27-year-old replaced Arda Güler in the 78th minute at the Santiago Bernabéu and set up Yan Diomande’s 87th-minute goal, helping Madrid secure their third consecutive victory in the competition.
José Mourinho also praised the Moroccan attacking midfielder after the match, acknowledging his contributions despite his limited opportunities in the starting lineup.
Brahim Díaz sets up Diomande’s late goal
Real Madrid took the lead in the 44th minute when Bernardo Silva converted a rebound after Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt saved an effort from Arda Güler.
Güler doubled Madrid’s advantage in the 52nd minute before Kylian Mbappé extended the lead in the 83rd.
Leipzig responded two minutes later through Tidiam Gomis, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
Brahim, who had entered the match nine minutes earlier, then delivered the ball to Diomande, whose right-footed volley flew into the top corner in the 87th minute.
The goal completed Madrid’s 4-1 victory and gave Brahim a direct attacking contribution during his brief appearance.
Mourinho praises Brahim despite limited starts
Speaking after the match, Mourinho acknowledged that Brahim has not been starting regularly but said he remains impressed by the Moroccan whenever he plays.
“Brahim is another who isn’t starting matches, and every time he is on the field, I like him a lot,” Mourinho said during his post-match press conference, according to Real Madrid’s official website.
The Portuguese coach also referred to competition for places within his squad, highlighting the importance of players demonstrating their value through their performances.
Brahim’s assist comes as he continues to compete for playing time in a Madrid attack featuring Güler, Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé and Diomande.
The Morocco international’s situation at the club has been a recurring subject, including earlier questions about his role under Mourinho.
His wider career and international record are covered in the Brahim Díaz player profile.
El Aynaoui starts for Leipzig
Brahim was not the only Moroccan international involved in the match.
Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui started for Leipzig and played until the 63rd minute, when he was replaced by Rocco Reitz.
The 25-year-old has become part of Morocco’s midfield options and was included in the Atlas Lions squad announced for September’s AFCON qualifiers.
Real Madrid’s victory leaves them with nine points from their opening three Champions League matches, while Leipzig will look to recover from the defeat in their remaining league-phase fixtures.
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