Real won the first-leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night 1-0, even though the Bundesliga club were the better team overall.
Attacking midfielder Diaz provided the only goal of the game shortly after the break, when he glided by several defenders before curling an effort beautifully into the top corner.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, former Real, Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen said of the goal: ‘I saw what Brahim did to score his goal and I saw Leo Messi.’
The former Manchester City star has only started 12 games this season and was the man chosen by Carlo Ancelotti to replace Bellingham who is out with an ankle injury for the rest of the month.
The England international is arguably the best player in the world right now having scored 20 goals and made eight assists in this his first season at Real.
It was an unenviable task for Diaz, but he pulled it off and even copied Bellingham’s signature celebration, with his teammate subsequently serenading him on Twitter.
‘Bellingham? I love him, we’ve got on so well since day one. I’m helping him with his Spanish.
‘He’s a world class player and we’re going to love having him here. Aside from his charisma, he’s a wonderful person and player.
‘I’m intuitive. I saw Vini [Vinicius Junior] and I wanted to pass to him but then I waited. It was a beautiful goal.’
But it wasn’t the perfect night for Diaz who was later taken off after appearing to suffer a calf injury.
On that the 24-year-old said: ‘Injury? ‘I’m not sure right now.
‘I felt a kick and then it was like my calf seized up. I guess we’ll run tests tomorrow and hopefully nothing will come of it.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Kevin De Bruyne provides fitness update ahead of Chelsea clash
MORE : Man City and Real Madrid both win as Champions League last 16 gets started
MORE : Thierry Henry disagrees with common Arsenal criticism as he talks up their Champions League chances
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
