Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised Brahim Diaz for filling in for Jude Bellingham after he scored the only goal in Los Blancos’ 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg on Tuesday night.
Bellingham was ruled out of the clash due to ankle injury he picked up over the weekend. It handed Diaz a rare start which the Moroccan took full advantage of by scoring a screamer in the 48th minute.
Diaz however suffered a knock on his angle and was substituted in the 84th minute for Lucas Vazquez.
“Since his time at Milan, he looks more powerful, stronger and with greater conviction and personality. He didn’t play so much at the beginning but whenever he’s been involved, he’s always contributed,” Ancelotti said after the game.
“Now he’s full of confidence in his game. He scored a spectacular goal, it was incredible. Of course the goal was the highlight but he worked as hard as anyone. It was a tough, difficult game but the team was focused and they dug in until the end.
“The first thing I thought when he picked the ball up is that I didn’t want him to lose it, and he didn’t. Whenever he’s filled in for Jude, he’s done a great job.
“I didn’t want to change the system and I wanted Vini Jr. and Rodrygo to play wide. Brahim took a knock on his ankle and the calf, they’ll assess him. I don’t think it’s a muscular issue.”
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— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 13, 2024
Reflecting on his goal, Diaz said: “I picked the ball up, turned well and then I saw they were scared to tackle me, they stepped off and I bent it into the top corner. I’m intuitive. I saw Vini and I wanted to pass to him but then I waited. It was a beautiful goal.”
Speaking about Bellingham, Diaz further stated: “I love him, we’ve got on so well since day one. I’m helping him with his Spanish. He’s a world class player and we’re going to love having him here. Aside from his charisma, he’s a wonderful person and player.”
Real Madrid hold a slender lead going into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu in three weeks time.
They will hope to maintain their lead at the top of the La Liga standings when they travel to neighbouring Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
