MADRID (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, Brahim Díaz stole the spotlight from his more high-profile teammates in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday. With Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior struggling to make an impact, it was Díaz who emerged as the match-winner, scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
Díaz, filling in for the suspended Jude Bellingham, seized the opportunity and delivered when it mattered most. The 25-year-old forward, who has had limited starts this season, showcased his skill and determination by evading defenders and finding the back of the net in the 55th minute.
Despite his heroics, Díaz remained grounded, acknowledging that the job was not done yet. He celebrated with the fans, receiving a yellow card for his exuberance, and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Real Madrid on the big stage.
His performance earned him a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the game, a testament to his impact on the match. Díaz’s contribution was pivotal in Madrid’s victory, as he stepped up in a crucial moment and delivered a goal that could prove decisive in the tie.
With the return leg set to take place next week, Díaz remains focused on the task at hand, knowing that there is still work to be done. As he looks ahead to the challenge against Atletico Madrid, Díaz is determined to continue giving his all for the team and repay the faith shown in him by the coaching staff.
The win not only puts Real Madrid in a favorable position heading into the second leg but also highlights the depth and resilience of the squad. Díaz’s standout performance serves as a reminder that sometimes, it’s the unsung heroes who shine the brightest in moments of need.
He skillfully maneuvered past midfielder Eduardo Camavinga with a slick move, then proceeded into the penalty area where he unleashed a powerful shot that deflected in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, ultimately finding the far corner of the net. The ball ricocheted off the post before nestling into the back of the goal. This marked the 15th goal for Álvarez in the Champions League, achieved in just 26 matches. Notably, his compatriot Lionel Messi had secured 13 goals after the same number of games in this prestigious European competition. Reflecting on the match, Álvarez commented, “They scored their goals at the right moments. At times, we had control of the match. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. With just a one-goal difference, we now have 90 minutes left to play in front of our passionate home fans.” For more soccer updates, visit AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
