Carlo Ancelotti praises Andriy Lunin and Brahim Diaz in Real Madrid victory

By SABC Sport
9th November 2023

In a Champions League encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid secured their place in the last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Braga.

The match showcased the resilience of the forgotten men of Los Blancos, with Andriy Lunin stepping up in goal and Brahim Diaz making a significant impact on the scoresheet.

The 24-year-old Lunin, standing in for the injured Kepa Arrizabalaga, emerged as the unsung hero of the night. The young goalkeeper not only filled the void left by Arrizabalaga but also pulled off a great save from a penalty, displaying composure. Lunin's stellar performance between the posts undoubtedly played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumphant night.

Brahim Diaz, often overshadowed this season, seized the opportunity to remind everyone of his prowess on the pitch. Opening the scoring at the half-hour mark with a clinical finish, Diaz showcased his goal-scoring abilities.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Diaz's stellar performance, stating, "Brahim has done very well. He scored a goal, and had another disallowed. He's done an optimal job defensively too. He deserves to play a little more."

Ancelotti was equally effusive in his praise for Lunin, emphasizing the positive impact of having a healthy and competitive squad. "It's another good sign. We have a healthy squad. It makes us happy to get through the group stage. Let's keep going," Ancelotti remarked, hinting at the depth and versatility within the Real Madrid roster.

The match unfolded as a showcase of the forgotten men of Los Blancos, with both Lunin and Diaz stepping up when called upon due to injuries. While Diaz's attacking prowess shone brightly, Lunin's goalkeeping heroics provided a solid foundation for Real Madrid's victory.

The victory not only secured Real Madrid's place in the last 16 but also maintained their flawless record in this season's Champions League. The team sit comfortably atop Group C, boasting a five-point lead over Napoli, their next opponents at the Bernabeu on MD5.

As the Champions League journey progresses, the performances of Andriy Lunin and Brahim Diaz have added intriguing dimensions to Real Madrid's squad dynamics. The question now lingers: will their standout performances earn them more minutes on the pitch in the upcoming challenges?