Belloumi, Diomande and Dia among Africa’s European weekend standouts

European domestic football returned this weekend following the extended international break, with several African players making decisive contributions across the continent’s leading leagues.

Here are five performances that had a direct impact on results in the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga and Serie A.

1. Bachir Belloumi

Bachir Belloumi came off the bench to rescue a point for Hull City in their 2-2 draw with Everton on the sixth matchday of the Premier League.

The Algeria international was introduced in the 64th minute, with the Tigers trailing 2-1 after Thierno Barry’s goal. Ten minutes later, Belloumi collected the ball inside the penalty area and fired a low shot beyond Jordan Pickford to level the contest.

The goal preserved Hull City’s unbeaten home record and continued Belloumi’s strong influence in front of goal. He has now played a decisive role in five of the club’s eight league goals this season, scoring three and providing two assists.

Hull City have nine points and sit eighth in the table.

2. Yan Diomande

Yan Diomande scored the only goal as Real Madrid beat Villarreal during the eighth round of La Liga, making his first start at the Bernabeu a memorable one.

The Ivory Coast international broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after being played through by Federico Valverde. Diomande cut inside before sending a right-footed effort across goal, with the strike confirmed after a VAR review.

The 19-year-old was replaced by Denzel Dumfries in the 86th minute. Real Madrid had to protect their lead with 10 men after Vinicius was sent off.

It was Diomande’s first goal for the Madrid club. Real Madrid have 18 points and are third.

3. Boulaye Dia

Boulaye Dia turned a narrow Rennes lead into a convincing 4-1 victory over Auxerre at Roazhon Park on the sixth matchday of Ligue 1.

The Senegal international, on loan from Lazio, entered the game in the 77th minute, with Rennes leading 2-1. He struck twice in stoppage time, scoring in the 90th minute plus two and again in the 90th minute plus four.

The goals were Dia’s first in the league this season and his first since March. Rennes have 13 points and are third, one point behind leaders Monaco.

4. Ismael Saibari

Ismael Saibari helped Bayern recover from an early setback in their 2-2 draw away to Augsburg in the fifth round of the Bundesliga.

Playing as the number 10 behind Harry Kane in the absence of Jamal Musiala, the Morocco international brought Bayern level in the 55th minute. After receiving Kane’s lay-off, Saibari combined a controlled touch with a finish to equalise.

Bayern had fallen behind in the opening seconds following an error by Manuel Neuer. Saibari was replaced by Serge Gnabry after 67 minutes and now has two Bundesliga goals this season.

The champions have 11 points and are third, two behind Dortmund and Freiburg.

5. Jay Enem

Jay Enem gave Bologna their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Lecce in Serie A on Sunday.

The forward of Nigerian heritage replaced Piccoli in the 62nd minute. After Fatah equalised two minutes later, Enem struck the winner just 13 minutes after coming on, converting a low cross from Nicolo Cambiaghi.

It was Enem’s first Serie A goal. Bologna have five points and are 13th, directly behind Lecce, who have six.