Brahim Diaz opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a remarkable solo goal against Deportivo de La Coruna in the Teresa Herrera Trophy on Wednesday, providing another positive moment for the Morocco international after being trusted with a starting place by Jose Mourinho.
The friendly was played at ABANCA-RIAZOR Stadium as Real Madrid continued their preparations for the new season. Diaz began the match in attack, alongside Brazil forwards Vinicius Junior and Endrick, in a line-up selected by Mourinho.
The decisive moment came in first-half stoppage time. At 45 minutes and one second, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin launched the ball upfield with his hand towards Diaz.
The forward collected possession around the halfway line and drove towards the Deportivo penalty area. Despite being pursued by several defenders, Diaz carried the attack through to its conclusion before placing the ball into the net.
He then celebrated in his familiar style, having completed a solo move that began inside Real Madrid’s half and ended with the opening goal.
Diaz’s involvement was brief after that contribution. Mourinho replaced him at the start of the second half, sending on young defender Mario Rivas in his place.
The change formed part of the Portuguese manager’s efforts to give as many players as possible valuable minutes before the competitive campaign begins. The match against Deportivo was being used as another opportunity to assess the squad and experiment with different options.
Mourinho had also selected Diaz from the start in Real Madrid’s previous friendly, against Hungarian side Ferencvarosi TC. Real Madrid won that match 2-1.
The decision to name Diaz in the starting XI for consecutive friendlies underlined the manager’s confidence in him during the pre-season programme. Against Deportivo, the player responded with the game’s opening goal and delivered the most eye-catching individual moment of the match so far.
His run began with Lunin’s quick distribution and continued through the centre of the pitch before Diaz reached the hosts’ penalty area. The goal gave Real Madrid the lead in the Teresa Herrera Trophy fixture and rewarded Diaz’s latest opportunity to impress from the beginning of a game.
With Vinicius Junior and Endrick also starting in attack, Diaz was part of a forward line being assessed by Mourinho ahead of the new season. His early substitution meant that his contribution came almost entirely before the interval, but his finish ensured he made a clear mark on the friendly.
The match at ABANCA-RIAZOR Stadium was therefore another stage for Mourinho to evaluate his players, while Diaz strengthened his case with a goal created almost entirely by his own movement and determination.
