Real Madrid forward Yan Diomande scored a powerful right-footed strike from 19 meters out to seal a 3-0 victory against Racing de Santander at El Sardinero, extending his streak of impactful performances during Vinicius Junior’s four-match suspension in La Liga.

Diomande drives Real Madrid’s winning run during Vinicius suspension

Yan Diomande has started seven matches for Real Madrid, resulting in seven victories for the club. The Ivory Coast international has recorded six goal involvements—three goals and three assists—since the international break. His recent scoring run features long-range efforts, culminating in a shot measured at 120,2 kilometers per hour against Racing de Santander that beat goalkeeper Agirrezabala.

During the match against Racing de Santander, the referee Munuera Montero considered a penalty appeal for a stamp by Mantilla on Diomande in the fifth minute to be residual. Diomande also gifted his shirt to a Racing ball boy after the final whistle.

Diomande has logged 34 dribbles, only five fewer than Kylian Mbappe despite Mbappe playing 512 more minutes on the pitch. The left-wing position, previously occupied by Vinicius Junior, has served as the primary launching point for Diomande’s recent attacking output and defensive pressing.

Mourinho praises defensive sacrifice and work rate

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho addressed the media after the 0-3 win in Santander, highlighting the defensive contributions of his attacking players. When questioned about the work rate of Diomande and Bellingham, Mourinho expressed approval of their willingness to track back.

When the most offensive players do sacrifice work, the message to the group is positive, Mourinho stated after the match.

Mourinho also referenced Diomande’s initial remarks upon joining the club, where the forward declared he would “die” for his coach. The manager noted that physical effort in recovering possession validates those remarks on the pitch.

Squad dynamics and starting XI debate spark media discussion

Following the match in Santander, journalist Manolo Lama raised questions on Tiempo de Juego regarding how the coaching staff will reintegrate Vinicius Junior once his four-match domestic suspension concludes.

Vinicius received a four-match ban following his red card during the fixture against Villarreal—a match in which Diomande also scored. The Brazilian forward subsequently missed fixtures against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Racing de Santander, and will also sit out the upcoming match against Valencia.

Analyst Manolo Sanchis remarked during the broadcast that Diomande has done everything necessary to secure his place in the starting lineup.

Now he has done everything necessary so that nobody thinks about taking him out, Manolo Sanchis recognized.

Now you have to put him, I repeat, you have to take out one who plays, stated Manolo Lama.

Manolo Lama also introduced the supporters as a crucial factor in the equation, warning that the fans right now, do not tell them that Vinicius is going to play in the next possible match.

Next fixtures and suspension timeline

Vinicius Junior remains ineligible for domestic competition until at least November 29, keeping the Brazilian sidelined for upcoming league fixtures while Diomande continues to feature prominently in the Real Madrid attack.