Michael Owen Likens Brahim Diaz's UCL Goal to Messi's, Jude Bellingham Gives a Shoutout

• Brahim Diaz scored the only goal for Real Madrid to beat RB Leipzig
• Former striker Michael Owen compared the goal to Lionel Messi’s
• Injured star Jude Bellingham gave a shout-out to his replacement

Brahim Diaz is getting deserved credits for his cracking goal for Real Madrid against RB Leipzig in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

Brahim was chosen in the lineup by manager Carlo Ancelotti to replace Jude Bellingham, who got injured in the 4-0 thrashing of Girona at the weekend.

The Spaniard took his opportunity with both legs, scoring one of the best goals in the Champions League this season. He brilliantly skipped past three challenges and unleashed an unstoppable strike past Peter Gulasci.

Owen compares Diaz to Messi

Former Real Madrid striker, Michael Owen, was on punditry duties and liked what he saw about the Spanish forward of Moroccan descent, but he had seen it elsewhere.

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“I saw what Brahim did to score his goal, and I saw Leo Messi,” he said on TNT Sports via Metro UK.

The 24-year-old idolises the former Barcelona captain and is fondly referred to as “Messi of Málaga” since he was 12, as noted by Goal.

Bellingham shouts out Diaz

Owen was not the only one astounded by the goal, the man Brahim replaced, Bellingham could not believe his eyes and reacted on social media after his teammate also hit his celebration.

The pair appears to have a bromance behind the scenes, as confirmed by the former Manchester City forward, who disclosed how he had been helping the English star since he moved to Spain.

“Bellingham? I love him, we’ve got on so well since day one. I’m helping him with his Spanish. He’s a world-class player, and we’re going to love having him here. Aside from his charisma, he’s a wonderful person and player,” he said.

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Ukrainian goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, made a remarkable nine saves to keep Los Blancos in the tie. Diaz acknowledged him, claiming he could have been named the man of the match.

Unfortunately, His night ended when he was substituted with what looked like a calf injury.

Bellingham wants Haaland at Madrid

Sports Brief previously reported on Bellingham wanting Erling Haaland at Madrid with the Premier League striker’s future up in the air at the end of the season.

The Norwegian is reportedly open to leaving Manchester City after two years, and his former mate at Borussia Dortmund is urging him to reunite with him in Spain.