Brahim Diaz replaces Vinicius Jnr in Real Madrid’s starting XI just FOUR minutes before the Madrid derby – fans compare his performance to Lionel Messi
- Vinicius Jnr was left on the bench just minutes before the Madrid derby
- Brahim Diaz played a starring role in his absence to give the hosts an early lead on Sunday
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Brahim Diaz starred in Vinicius Jnr’s absence for Real Madrid on Sunday as the Brazilian’s last-minute absence from the LaLiga tie against Atletico Madrid initially caused mass confusion.
The Brazilian was named in the hosts’ starting line-up but was replaced and named on the bench by manager Carlo Ancelotti just four minutes before kick-off.
It was later revealed that the 23-year-old had picked up an injury as Madrid pressed on in his absence, with substitute striker Diaz scoring the opening goal before Atletico fought back.
Madrid supporters were hugely impressed by Diaz’s performance as he fired the hosts ahead after 20 minutes, despite only finding out he was starting before the teams walked out of the tunnel.
Diaz scored his fourth league goal of the season and played similarly with his dribbling, passing and all-round play against his side’s city rivals.
Real Madrid supporters were full of praise for Brahim Diaz after his performance against Atletico Madrid
Diaz received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu when he came off the field in the 71st minute
Diaz played against Atletico in just his eighth league start of the season
The Spaniard made just his eighth LaLiga start of the season and many supporters believe the weekend’s performance was his crowning moment in a Los Blancos shirt.
He was substituted by Ancelotti in the 71st minute when senior Joselu came on and received a standing ovation from the home fans in the stands as he left.
Praise then flooded social media as fans raved about Diaz’s performance, with some comparing his stellar contribution to the style of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
‘The entire Santiago Bernabeu applauds Brahim and chants his name. Well deserved,” said a Madrid supporter on X.
Diaz replaced Brazilian striker Vinicius Jnr in the starting line-up just four minutes before the match
Another added: ‘Brahim Diaz ended up being so much better than expected. Milan fans didn’t rate him that highly, we didn’t rate him that highly, but man has he proven us all wrong so far. Slowly but surely, very good figures are being achieved this season.
“Brahim Diaz, wow. That was one of the best individual performances of the season and he only found out he was starting two minutes before kick-off. We applaud him,” said a third.
“Brahim Diaz can be jealous of Lionel Messi,” said another in response to a piece of craftsmanship from the Madrid star.
Diaz will be hoping to keep his starting run going, while Vinicius Jnr will aim to be fit for Madrid’s next match against second-placed Girona on Saturday.
