Brahim Diaz puts Real Madrid ahead with remarkable solo effort against Deportivo

Brahim Diaz scored a spectacular opening goal for Real Madrid in their friendly against Deportivo de La Coruna at the ABANCA-RIAZOR Stadium on Wednesday, rewarding manager Jose Mourinho’s decision to select him from the start.

The match is being played as part of the Teresa Herrera Trophy, a traditional pre-season competition used by Real Madrid as they continue preparations for the new campaign.

Diaz began the game in Real Madrid’s starting XI, forming an attacking trio with Brazil internationals Vinicius Junior and Endrick. The Morocco international made a decisive contribution just before half-time, producing a solo run that took him from the centre of the pitch into the Deportivo penalty area.

With the clock showing 45 minutes and one minute of added time, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin launched the ball forward with his hand. Diaz collected it around halfway and drove towards the hosts’ goal while being pursued by Deportivo defenders.

He maintained his composure inside the penalty area before sending the ball into the net. Diaz then celebrated in his familiar style as Real Madrid moved in front in the friendly.

His involvement was brief after the goal. Mourinho replaced him at the start of the second half, bringing on young defender Mario Rivas as part of a wider effort to assess as many players as possible before the competitive season begins.

The decision to withdraw Diaz was therefore part of the Portuguese manager’s pre-season plans rather than a reflection of the forward’s performance. His goal had given Real Madrid the lead after a direct attack that began with Lunin’s distribution and ended with Diaz completing the move himself.

Diaz had also been named in the starting line-up for Real Madrid’s previous friendly, against Hungarian side Ferencvarosi. The Spanish club won that match 2-1, with Mourinho again giving the Morocco international an opportunity from the opening whistle.

The back-to-back starts underline Diaz’s prominent role in Mourinho’s current preparations. His latest display offered another early indication of his attacking threat, while the decision to replace him at half-time allowed Real Madrid to continue rotating their squad during the Teresa Herrera Trophy fixture.

With the new season approaching, Mourinho is using these matches to examine his options across the team. Diaz’s contribution against Deportivo came at a key moment, giving Real Madrid a lead immediately before the interval before he made way for Rivas at the beginning of the second half.