LaLiga5 hours ago2 minute read

Mourinho Demands More From Record Signing Diomande After First Start

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho praised record signing Yan Diomande after his first start but warned the winger still has a lot to learn.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Diomande's Big Moment

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has praised record signing Yan Diomande after his first start for the club. The young winger played 72 minutes in Saturday's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. He had previously only made brief appearances off the bench since joining from RB Leipzig last month.

Mourinho was pleased but realistic about the winger's current development. He noted that Diomande has not spent much time in top-level European football.

"He has a lot to learn tactically," Mourinho said. "But you can see he has incredible potential in one on ones, his crossing, and his shooting."

A Game of Two Halves

Madrid dominated the first half at the Bernabéu. Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Álvaro Carreras, and Jude Bellingham put the hosts 3-0 up before halftime. Sergio Camello pulled one back for Rayo in the second half, before Mbappé added his second goal in stoppage time.

Mourinho admitted his players suffered from fatigue after their midweek Champions League victory against Inter Milan. He explained that he knew the team would struggle to maintain their intensity after the break.

"It was a 45-minute game," Mourinho said. "Forty-five minutes, game over, there's nothing else to say." He added that Bellingham played the final ten minutes with almost no energy left.

Vinícius Back in Form

Vinícius Júnior also played a key role in the victory. After being whistled by some fans during the midweek match, the forward provided the assist for Bellingham's goal. Mourinho embraced him when he was substituted late in the game.

The manager backed his player to keep improving. He said that Vinícius is physically better than ever and mentally very strong. Mourinho added that the goals will come once he focuses on assists and defensive work.

What it means for the next game

Elche vs Real Madrid (LaLiga, Tue, 15 Sep): Elche win 13%, draw 20%, Real Madrid win 68%; expected goals 0.86 to 2.22. Our safest pick: Real Madrid draw no bet.

Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid (LaLiga, Sun, 20 Sep): Atlético Madrid win 40%, draw 29%, Real Madrid win 32%; expected goals 1.31 to 1.14. Our safest pick: Under 3.5 goals.