Kylian Mbappé delivered a match-winning performance on Saturday evening as Real Madrid secured a valuable 2-0 away victory over Villarreal in Round 21 of the Spanish La Liga, later revealing that his panenka from the penalty spot was dedicated to Moroccan teammate Brahim Díaz.
The French forward was the difference on the night, scoring both goals for Los Blancos from the penalty spot in the 47th and 94th minutes. His brace took his league tally to 21 goals for the season, seven of which have come from penalties, as Real Madrid temporarily climbed to the top of the table with 51 points, two ahead of defending champions Barcelona, who were due to face Oviedo on Sunday.
The defeat left Villarreal on 41 points in fourth place, behind Atlético Madrid on goal difference, with the Yellow Submarine still holding a game in hand.
Before kick-off, Moroccan midfielder Brahim Díaz watched from the bench as Real Madrid joined in applauding Senegal international Pape Gueye, who was honoured following his decisive goal for the Lions of Teranga in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The moment came just days after Díaz endured heartbreak of his own, having missed a crucial penalty late in the AFCON final that denied Morocco a first continental title in two decades.
Díaz was introduced in the 80th minute, replacing Turkish youngster Arda Güler, and was on the pitch when Mbappé sealed the win deep into stoppage time.
The French star converted the second penalty with a calm Panenka finish, a gesture that immediately caught attention, given Díaz’s recent misfortune from the spot.
After the match, Mbappé confirmed that the audacious penalty was a show of support for his teammate.
“My panenka penalty was for Brahim Diaz,” he said.
The moment was a powerful sign of solidarity, offering Díaz a small measure of comfort as he continues to process the disappointment of AFCON, while highlighting the strong bond within the Real Madrid squad.
