Real Madrid hierarchy told Mourinho to start 119 m£ Diomande rather than Brahim Diaz

Yan Diomande scored his first Real Madrid goal — the only goal in Sunday’s 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal — and the context surrounding the goal is as significant as the strike itself. According to journalist Romain Molina, Diomande’s selection as a starter was not solely a decision of Jose Mourinho: the Real Madrid hierarchy had reportedly pushed for their record-breaking summer signing to receive more game time. Brahim Diaz , who had started the Champions League win over Inter Milan, was dropped to the bench as a consequence.