English Premier League
Brahim Diaz rewards Jose Mourinho’s faith with stunning Real Madrid goal
Brahim Diaz opened the scoring for Real Madrid against Deportivo La Coruna with a remarkable solo finish in Wednesday’s friendly at ABANCA-Riazor, as Jose Mourinho continued preparations for the new season in the Teresa Herrera Trophy.
The Morocco international was named in Real Madrid’s starting line-up for the match, with Vinicius Junior and Endrick joining him in attack.
Diaz struck in first-half stoppage time after goalkeeper Andriy Lunin launched the ball forward with his hand. The pass reached the midfielder near the halfway line, allowing him to drive towards the Deportivo La Coruna penalty area while being pursued by the home side’s defenders.
Despite the pressure behind him, Diaz completed the move by sending the ball into the net. He then celebrated in his familiar style, marking a goal that underlined the confidence placed in him by Mourinho.
His involvement did not last long after that moment. Mourinho substituted Diaz at the start of the second half, replacing him with young defender Mario Rivas as the experienced Portuguese manager continued to assess his squad before the competitive campaign begins.
The decision formed part of Mourinho’s plan to give as many players as possible an opportunity during the pre-season fixture. Diaz was therefore withdrawn shortly after producing the most notable moment of the opening half, rather than remaining on the pitch for the remainder of the match.
The goal also continued Diaz’s involvement in Mourinho’s early preparations. The midfielder had started Real Madrid’s previous friendly against Hungarian club Ferencvarosi TC, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Spanish side.
His inclusion from the beginning in both matches indicates the role Mourinho has given him during this period of preparation, with Diaz again selected alongside Vinicius Junior and Endrick in the attacking line against Deportivo La Coruna.
The meeting at ABANCA-Riazor was being played as part of the Teresa Herrera Trophy, a friendly competition used by Real Madrid as they build towards the new season. For Mourinho, the fixture provided another opportunity to examine different combinations and involve a wide selection of players.
For Diaz, it offered another chance to make an impression, and he did so with a run that began inside his own half and ended in the home side’s goal. His early substitution meant that his contribution was limited to the first half and the opening moments of the second, but the finish gave Real Madrid the lead and rewarded Mourinho’s decision to select him from the start.
