Mourinho praises Morocco’s Brahim Diaz after Real Madrid assist against Leipzig

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has praised Moroccan international Brahim Díaz for his contribution to Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, highlighting the midfielder’s performances despite his limited playing time.

Brahim came off the bench in the 78th minute, replacing Arda Guler, before setting up Yan Diomande for Madrid’s fourth goal nine minutes later at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Moroccan midfielder found Ivorian winger Diomande inside the penalty area, allowing him to fire a powerful first-time volley into the top corner to complete Madrid’s victory.

Mourinho, who has yet to make Brahim a regular starter, expressed his admiration for the player while discussing squad rotation and the importance of rewarding performances in training.

“Brahim is another who isn’t starting matches, and every time he is on the field, I like him a lot. We return to the story of meritocracy,” Mourinho said during his post-match press conference.

Mourinho highlights meritocracy at Real Madrid

The Portuguese coach made the remarks while discussing Eduardo Camavinga’s performance and his decision to rotate the squad ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

Mourinho explained that the work his players put in during training had given him the confidence to make changes, even when those decisions meant leaving other deserving players on the bench.

His comments will offer encouragement to Brahim as the Moroccan continues to compete for regular minutes in a Real Madrid squad with several attacking options.

The midfielder’s latest contribution also underlined his ability to make an impact when given an opportunity, strengthening his case for a greater role under Mourinho.

Diomande acknowledges Brahim’s contribution

Diomande also recognised Brahim’s role in his goal during an interview with Real Madrid TV, describing the decisive moment that completed the scoring against Leipzig.

“Brahim passed me the ball, and I thought, ‘I’m going to try.’ One touch and boom,” the Ivorian said.

The goal capped a convincing performance by Madrid, who had taken the lead through Bernardo Silva shortly before half-time before Guler doubled their advantage early in the second half.

Kylian Mbappé then scored Madrid’s third goal, although Tidiam Gomis pulled one back for Leipzig before Diomande restored the hosts’ three-goal cushion.

Brahim eyes opportunity ahead of El Clasico

The victory gave Mourinho’s side nine points from their opening three Champions League matches, maintaining their perfect record in the competition.

With Barcelona set to visit on Sunday, Brahim will hope his influential cameo against Leipzig earns him another opportunity to impress the Portuguese coach ahead of one of the biggest fixtures on Madrid’s calendar.