Scorer and delivering an outstanding performance against Atlético Madrid this Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Brahim Diaz wasted no time putting Diego Simeone in his place.
In football, karma strikes quickly. Before the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 this Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone did not count on Brahim Diaz. When asked in a press conference about the midfielders he expected to see start for Real Madrid, the Argentine coach clearly stated that he did not see the Moroccan attacking midfielder playing: “The midfielders who will be starting for Madrid? I think they will play with Camavinga and Modric. I don’t believe Brahim Diaz will be there,” he exclaimed.
Diaz’s blunt words to Simeone
Against all expectations, Carlo Ancelotti defied the Atlético coach’s predictions by putting Brahim Diaz in place of Luka Modric. And as if to get revenge, the player, who had already caused problems for Manchester City in the qualifiers, shone. Working tirelessly in the midfield, Brahim Diaz did more than expected, leaping to life in the 54th minute to toy with Atlético’s defenders and score a lovely goal. Full of revenge, he didn’t hesitate to respond to Simeone’s words.
Indeed, as revealed by Movistar’s cameras, the Moroccan international repeatedly shouted at Diego Simeone: “Speak, speak now, you spoke yesterday, speak now.” With an aggressive look, Brahim Diaz savoured his moment of glory as he taunted the Atlético coach, who had not seen the danger coming.
The Madrid player’s thoughts after the match
In any case, Brahim can be pleased, as he has just given Real Madrid an important advantage, who were struggling against a well-prepared Atlético team that came to either create an upset or at worst, secure a draw. After the final whistle, Diaz wasn’t getting carried away by the result (2-1). “Playing here, at the Santiago Bernabéu, is something incredible and unique. When you wear this shirt, you have to give everything, and I think we played a complete match today. The goal was good and it will help us to win, but we still need to give everything,” he said to Real Madrid TV.
While he acknowledges that his team had some low points in the match, especially after the equaliser, Brahim Diaz mentions that they never doubted. He also stresses the importance of the return leg. “Obviously, everything is still open. It’s great to have won at home in a tough match against a big rival, but it’s not over. This is the Champions League, and every detail makes the difference.“
Next Wednesday, the team will head to the Civitas Metropolitano, hoping to finish the job and secure qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals.
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