Yan Diomande matches Obafemi Martins’ Champions League record

Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande has matched a UEFA Champions League record held by former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins after scoring and providing an assist in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.

The Ivorian played a key role in a convincing victory for Real Madrid, setting up a goal before completing the scoring late in the match. His performance also offered further evidence of the club’s decision to make a significant investment in him during the summer transfer window.

According to Opta, Diomande is now the youngest African player to score and register an assist in a Champions League match since Martins accomplished the same feat in 2003.

Martins set the record during his time with Italian club Internazionale. The former Super Eagles striker scored in a memorable 3-0 victory over Arsenal at Highbury Stadium in London in September 2003, while also providing an assist.

The 41-year-old forward struck late in the first half after his Internazionale team-mates Julio Cruz and Andy van der Meyde had already found the net to establish control of the match.

Martins went on to make a significant impact in the Champions League, scoring nine goals and supplying three assists in 34 appearances in the competition.

Diomande has now equalled that landmark, but the Real Madrid youngster will be hoping to build a record and reputation of his own as his Champions League career develops.