Brahim Diaz continues to make his mark at Real Madrid, adding his name alongside club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema with an impressive display in the Champions League.
Fresh from celebrating his 100th appearance for the club with a goal against Real Betis last weekend, the Moroccan international delivered another standout performance on Tuesday.
His decisive strike against Atlético Madrid secured a 2-1 victory for Los Blancos in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Matching Real Madrid’s greats
Diaz’s goal made him only the fifth Real Madrid player to score against Atlético in three different competitions in the 21st century, joining an elite list that includes Ronaldo, Benzema, and Rodrygo, according to Opta.
The only player to surpass this feat is former club captain Sergio Ramos, who found the net against Los Colchoneros in four separate tournaments.
A goal worthy of the big stage
5 – Brahim Díaz is the fifth Real Madrid player to score in three different competitions against Atlético de Madrid in the 21st century, after Sergio Ramos (four), Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes. Flash. pic.twitter.com/kVkuZnqrgu
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 4, 2025
Stepping up in the absence of Jude Bellingham, Diaz put in a performance reminiscent of some of the club’s greatest playmakers.
His goal, scored in the 55th minute, drew comparisons to Lionel Messi for its sheer brilliance and execution.
The move began on the left flank, where Diaz combined with Vinícius Jr. and Ferland Mendy in a swift passing exchange.
Faced with two defenders, he effortlessly beat his marker with a feint before sending Atlético’s Jan Oblak the wrong way with a perfectly placed curling shot into the far corner.
LE FESTIVAL DE BRAHIM DIAZ QUI REDONNE L’AVANTAGE AU REAL MADRID 🥵
Et la célébration avec les supporters en prime 🫣#RMAATM | #UCL pic.twitter.com/oTJH85r8DM
— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) March 4, 2025
It was a moment of individual brilliance that put Real Madrid back in control of the tie, giving them a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg.
Recognition from legends
Among those watching from the stands at the Santiago Bernabéu was club icon Marcelo, who was visibly impressed by Diaz’s performance.
The former Manchester City man has now scored six goals in all competitions this season, having made 36 appearances, 18 of them as a starter.
With Morocco set to face Niger and Tanzania in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this month, Diaz’s form comes at the perfect time for the Atlas Lions.
Marcelo est là 🤍 pic.twitter.com/2HBwF8rgoP
— Gio CR7 (@ArobaseGiovanny) March 4, 2025
His growing influence at Real Madrid is not only strengthening his position at the club but also reinforcing his role as a key figure in Morocco’s ambitions on the international stage.
