Morocco attacking midfielder Brahim Díaz played 21 minutes for Real Madrid in the 4-1 win over Sevilla, after a month out and only 178 minutes played this season.
Brahim Díaz has stepped back onto a La Liga pitch. The Morocco attacking midfielder came on in the 69th minute in place of striker Endrick in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Sevilla FC on matchday 9, according to Mountakhab.net. A 21-minute appearance that ends an absence that began on 15 September against Elche.
In the meantime, the 27-year-old international spent the previous three Real Madrid matches stuck on the bench, reports Top Mercato. Before this game against the Andalusians, his total playing time this season stood at just 178 minutes across all competitions, according to Marca and Africafoot. A limited tally for the attacking midfielder.
A return in a goalscoring festival
The Madrid evening was prolific, even if Brahim Díaz’s name does not appear on the scoresheet. Kylian Mbappé scored a brace (37th, 63rd from the penalty spot), Arda Güler (30th) and Yan Diomandé (82nd) completed the festival, reports Le360. Real Madrid sit 3rd in La Liga, six points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona.
The Moroccan’s introduction came in a favourable collective context, but it remained brief: twenty-one minutes, after more than a month without playing. Under coach José Mourinho, he has been given only limited playing time, in keeping with a gradual return.
Muscle pain in the background
Brahim Díaz is also carrying persistent muscle pain, according to AS and Mountakhab.net. Those niggles did not, however, prevent him from being in the squad against Sevilla.
His contract with Real Madrid runs until 30 June 2027, Africafoot recalls. A still-long deal for a player looking to regain a regular role.
The stakes for the Atlas Lions
Beyond Real Madrid, the Morocco national team is the backdrop. According to Le360 Sport, Brahim Díaz wants to pile up regular playing time in order to preserve his key status with the Atlas Lions.
The next appointment is another La Liga matchday for Real Madrid, with José Mourinho’s decision on rotation in his squad.