Yan Diomandé delivered a decisive cameo in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over RB Leipzig, while Vinicius Junior endured another difficult night. The Ivorian winger scored and provided an assist within four minutes, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding his Brazilian teammate.
Vinicius left the pitch 20 minutes before the final whistle after another disappointing Champions League performance. The Brazilian has now gone three consecutive matches in the competition without a decisive contribution, while Diomandé made an immediate impact off the bench. “Brahim played the ball to me, and I thought, ‘Let’s go, let’s give it a try,’” the Ivorian explained after scoring a spectacular goal. Kylian Mbappé defended Vinicius, urging him to stay calm and remember his quality. José Mourinho also backed the Brazilian, praising his defensive work and insisting that the substitution reflected his desire to change the team’s attacking dynamic rather than dissatisfaction with Vinicius.
Despite Mourinho’s support, sections of the Spanish press focused on the contrast between the two wingers. Sport declared that “Diomandé buries Vinicius,” while Mundo Deportivo highlighted the Ivorian’s impact and the Brazilian’s struggles. Radio Marca journalist Roberto Gómez, however, criticised the club’s apparent lack of support for Vinicius.
“They’ve abandoned him. They’ve abandoned him!” he exclaimed, questioning the roles of the president, coach, captain and supporters. As Vinicius prepares to miss the upcoming Clásico through suspension, Diomandé’s growing influence adds another dimension to the competition for a place on Real Madrid’s left flank.
