Real Madrid: Yan Diomandé recounts his goal against RB Leipzig

21.10.26 FT Champions League

Real Madrid

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RB Leipzig

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On Wednesday evening, following Real Madrid’s brilliant victory over RB Leipzig (4-1), Vinicius Jr was the only Merengue player to return home with his head bowed. His substitute, Yan Diomandé, put on a show. The Ivorian savoured his goal against his former club.

Last night against RB Leipzig, Yan Diomandé provided an assist and scored a splendid goal, all within just four minutes. Yan Diomandé attempted to explain the goal to reporters. “I’m going to try my luck, one touch and bang. It’s not easy, of course it’s not easy… It looks easy to say, but not to do. Brahim passed the ball to me and I thought: ‘Let’s go, let’s try.’” the Ivorian said.

Bringing on Diomandé, Mourinho explains his decision

At his press conference, José Mourinho was obliged to explain his decision to take Vinicius Jr off.

“The intention behind bringing on Diomandé was not to think about the Clásico, but rather to consider the options on the bench and the fact that we had very quick players available. A fresh and ready Diomandé at the end of a match is difficult to stop. Vini had a good game tactically. He defended very well. He could then have scored a magnificent goal, but the goalkeeper made a superb save. Only he can say whether he is sad, but his coach is happy. I think you can have your own perception, but only he can express what he feels. I am satisfied with his performance. We always expect more from him, for him to be decisive individually, but he played a match that I liked. Of the three attackers, he had the greatest defensive responsibility because the opposing right-back was moving between the lines and Vini filled that gap very well. Only one ball entered the central area. Then, with the ball, he was not spectacular, but he was balanced: he did not lose possession and produced a very good move that the goalkeeper stopped. This change was not because the coach was dissatisfied, but because we have a bench rich in talent, capable of bringing a different dynamic with players such as Yan or Endrick. You have to get used to it, because it will often happen that I take off a player who is not playing badly to bring on another capable of offering something different. I understand your question… Yes, I think he needs everyone’s support. When you are on the pitch and you are booed away from home, it is often a source of motivation. But when it happens at home… it hurts. But I remain happy with what he did,” the coach explained.

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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