Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé dedicated his 2nd of the evening against Villarreal on Saturday to Blancos teammate Brahim Díaz.
This of course comes fresh off the latter’s night to forget in last weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations finale.
En route to Morocco being condemned to a 1-0 extra-time defeat at the hands of Senegal, Brahim was afforded a golden opportunity to prove himself the hero late in the 90.
Stepping up to the penalty spot with the two sides deadlocked at 0-0, the former AC Milan man opted to attempt a ‘panenka’.
Senegal no.1 Édouard Mendy, however, didn’t budge, easily keeping the effort out amid frantic scenes.
After costing his country dear, Brahim was afforded his first club appearance since on Saturday, as Real Madrid got the better of Villarreal.
And as alluded to above, at La Cerámica, teammate Kylian Mbappé made use of the opportunity to show his support for the under-fire attacker.
After winning a spot-kick of his own, Mbappé recreated Brahim’s panenka, to altogether more positive effect.
Speaking to the media post-match, the Frenchman then went on to admit:
“My panenka penalty was for Brahim Díaz”.
Conor Laird – GSFN
