Mourinho explains Brahim Diaz starting decision for Real Madrid against Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho has explained why Brahim Diaz was selected on the right side of Real Madrid’s attack for their Champions League match against Inter Milan, rather than Yan Diomande.

The Real Madrid head coach has yet to name Diomande in his starting line-up since the player joined the club from RB Leipzig last summer in a deal worth 125m euros. That continued in the meeting with Inter, with Mourinho instead giving Diaz the opportunity to begin the game in the attacking role.

Mourinho’s decision was immediately rewarded. Real Madrid took the lead after 14 minutes when Kylian Mbappe found the net, with Diaz providing the assist. The opening goal gave Diaz a direct contribution to the match’s first major moment and underlined the choice made by Mourinho before kick-off.

The selection of Diaz was the main point addressed by Mourinho in his explanation of Real Madrid’s line-up. Diomande remains without a starting appearance for the club since his move from RB Leipzig, despite the significant fee involved in his transfer last summer.

Diaz’s involvement came on the right flank, where he was chosen ahead of Diomande for the Champions League fixture against the Milan-based side. The match therefore offered Diaz the chance to establish an early influence, while Diomande began the game among the substitutes rather than in the starting XI.

Real Madrid’s first goal arrived in the 14th minute. Mbappe completed the move by scoring, while Diaz supplied the final pass. The timing of the goal meant Mourinho’s explanation of his attacking selection was followed quickly by a tangible result on the pitch.

The fixture is being covered with a text commentary by LiveResult, which is providing updates as the Champions League match progresses. At the stage described, Real Madrid had opened the scoring through Mbappe, assisted by Diaz.

Mourinho’s comments consequently centred on the contrast between the two attacking options available to him. Diaz was trusted from the beginning on the right side, while Diomande’s wait for a first start under Mourinho continued after his arrival from RB Leipzig.

The decision also maintained the pattern surrounding Diomande’s involvement at Real Madrid. Although the club paid 125m euros to sign him last summer, Mourinho had not previously selected him in the starting line-up, and the match against Inter Milan did not change that record.

Instead, Diaz was given the responsibility of operating on the right of the attack. Within 14 minutes, his performance had already produced an assist for Mbappe and helped Real Madrid move in front in the Champions League encounter.