Diomande urged to make greater impact after subdued Real Madrid debut

Yan Diomande’s first competitive appearance for Real Madrid failed to meet expectations as the club’s record signing received a mixed assessment from the Madrid press after Saturday’s narrow win at Espanyol.

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international came on in the 64th minute at the RCDE Stadium, making his first official appearance for Real Madrid since joining from Leipzig this summer in a deal worth 140m euros, including add-ons.

Real Madrid eventually secured a 2-1 victory, but Diomande’s introduction did little to change the flow of a difficult game. His performance was met with widespread disappointment from local media, whose coverage of the club is known for its high standards.

Marca awarded the winger a rating of 6/10 and criticised his repeated attempts to take on opponents one-on-one. The newspaper felt he persisted with that approach without creating a decisive advantage, while also overlooking opportunities to attack space behind the defence.

According to Marca, the consequence was a slower tempo, less direct attacking play and a lack of threat on the right side of the pitch.

AS took a more measured view of Diomande’s display, describing it as “timid”. However, the newspaper also judged that “He can offer much more” in future performances.

The report did acknowledge Diomande’s involvement in the build-up to Real Madrid’s second goal, scored by Carlos Espi in the 90th minute. The forward had come off the bench only 10 minutes earlier but made a more immediate impression than Diomande.

Indeed, Carlos Espi was praised in contrast to the Ivorian and became the main focus of Marca’s front page, leaving Diomande’s debut overshadowed by the late substitute’s contribution.

Diomande will have an early opportunity to respond when Real Madrid play their first home match of the season at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. The Blancos will host Real Sociedad on the second matchday of the campaign.

His arrival had generated considerable interest because of the size of the transfer fee, which makes him the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history. The match at Espanyol was therefore an important first test, even though his involvement was limited to the final half-hour or so.

The Ivory Coast forward has won 14 international caps and scored three goals for his country. He will now be expected to provide a more influential performance in front of the Real Madrid supporters, after the Spanish capital’s media made clear that his debut had not yet shown the full extent of his potential.

For now, the attention belongs to Carlos Espi, whose late intervention helped decide a demanding match and ensured that Diomande’s first competitive outing for the club was remembered as a quiet one.