Diaz Bounces Back: Madrid's Revival After CAN Final Shock

Diaz's CAN Final Shock and Madrid's Recovery

Moroccan-born Madrid forward Brahim Diaz has moved on from the jolt he absorbed in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. The late decision to award a Moroccan penalty after a VAR review set the stage for a dramatic finale. Diaz stepped up to take the spot kick, but Edouard Mendy saved it, and the moment sparked heated protests from Senegal's staff and players led by captain Sadio Mane who urged his teammates to return to the field.

After the restart, Diaz returned to the pitch and attempted the penalty again, but the shot was weak and struck straight at Mendy as if he knew the script; a Panenka was attempted but failed. Sources inside Real Madrid told The Athletic that Diaz has recovered well and is back at the Santiago Bernabeu facing the new challenge with renewed focus.

Arbeloa's Start, Pressure, and Madrid's Momentum

The Athletic also noted that when Alvaro Arbeloa was named as a replacement for Xabi Alonso two weeks earlier, doubts were raised about his inexperience since his only first team head coach job had been with Castilla in the Spanish third tier. Arbeloa's beginning was rough: a 3-2 defeat to Alaves in the Copa del Rey, but Madrid rebounded with three straight wins afterward.

Firing up the mood, supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu responded with chants during the following match against Levante, which Madrid won 2-0. Club sources and close allies of several players agree that the atmosphere in the dressing room has improved relative to the Alonso era, suggesting Madrid is regathering behind Diaz and Arbeloa's leadership.

Punchline 1: Diaz's penalty was so dramatic the post auditioned for a cameo; the ball clearly preferred a spectator role.

Punchline 2: In this league resilience is the new red card; Madrid keeps the humor alive while the net keeps the score.