Ivorian winger Yan Diomande makes UEFA Champions League history with Real Madrid win against Leipzig

Ivorian forward Yan Diomande made a historic mark in the UEFA Champions League after contributing a goal and an assist in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over German side Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

According to statistics network Opta, Diomande, 19, became the youngest African player to score and provide an assist in the same Champions League match since Nigeria’s Obafemi Martins achieved the feat for Inter Milan against Arsenal in September 2003.

Diomande shines against former club

The Ivorian came off the bench in the 70th minute and made an immediate impact against his former team.

Diomande set up Real Madrid’s third goal, scored by French forward Kylian Mbappe in the 83rd minute, before adding the fourth himself four minutes later.

He completed his contribution with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, capping an impressive performance in the Spanish side’s convincing win.

The achievement places Diomande among the African players to have made a notable impact on Europe’s biggest club competition.

Real Madrid prepare for Barcelona clash

Diomande’s performance comes at an important time for Real Madrid as they prepare to face rivals Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday at Spotify Camp Nou.

Barcelona lead the Spanish league standings with 27 points, while Real Madrid are third with 21 points after suffering defeats against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Real Betis and 2-1 to Atletico Madrid, leaving them looking to strengthen their position in the domestic competition.

Diomande’s Champions League contribution offers an encouraging moment for the club ahead of the high-profile meeting with their Catalan rivals.