Real Madrid hosted Barcelona for the second and final Clasico of the season, but it was an unlikely name who erupted the Santiago Bernabeu in Mariano Diaz.
Last-minute substitutions have become a norm in football as teams hold a narrow lead into the closing stages of the match. Tonight in Madrid was no different as Zinedine Zidane called up Mariano Diaz for Karim Benzema.
The French Manager was seen giving his third-string striker some words of wisdom before he stepped over the touchline and one could only imagine what he said. “Play it safe…don’t take chances…drop deep and help defend…press quickly”.
Mariano entered for Benzema who had a few chances of his own but the former wasted no time on the pitch. While Karim spent 90 minutes on the field, Mariano signed, sealed and delivered the three points in less than 90 seconds.
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Bursting up the right-wing with his fresh legs, Mariano left Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti in his dust before staring down Marc-Andre Ter Stegen firing the ball past the keeper on the near post. Coming to a halt as Umtiti and Ter Stegen collided, Mariano turned around, raised his arms into the air as he figuratively rose into the cheers of the Bernabeu.
The oncoming Vincius Jr. seemed like the more logical solution but Spanish-Dominican international went for glory and it most certainly paid off.
What Mariano did on the pitch was a thing of beauty but there’s more to the story. This was Diaz’s first La Liga game this season as he struggled with injury.
In the summer and January transfer window, he was expected to depart with many teams interested in his talents, included Olympique Lyon where he spent time on a loan.
He turned down several offers and the opportunity to play more football at the club of his dreams. Now, in mere seconds he has undoubtedly made one of Real Madrid’s most important contributions to a potential La Liga title.
The second goal was the nail in the coffin that was needed. Had Barcelona scored and tied the game level at 1-1 Barcelona would have the advantage in the league standings. This would make it even more difficult for Madrid to chase down a much-needed league title relying on other teams to slow down the Catalan giants.
Zidane seems to have another option on the bench he can look to as Benzema has lost steam and Luka Jovic unable to find his footing.
With the win and one point clear of Barcelona, the league is now Real Madrid’s to lose. Their destiny and fate are in their hands as they sit in the driver seat.
Thank you, Mariano Diaz.