When the players stepped out onto the Bernabéu pitch for Sunday’s Madrid Derby, Brahim Díaz had only just found out that he would be starting.
Carlo Ancelotti’s initial team sheet had Rodrygo and Vinícius up front for Real Madrid, but the latter suffered an injury during the warm-ups. It then appeared as if Joselu would start in the Brazilian’s place, and the striker was even announced as the replacement inside the stadium, but at the last minute it was Brahim who was called into the starting line-up.
Although fans and journalists might have been confused, Brahim was ready. ‘It’s true that Joselu was the one warming up, but in the end the coach decided I should go in,’ he explained afterwards. ‘He always makes you feel like you’re prepared because when it’s your turn you have to perform well.’
And, perform well is exactly what Brahim did. From the beginning the winger was dribbling his way past defenders, showcasing his technical skills.