Ayyoub Bouaddi and Brahim Diaz made strong starts to their Champions League campaigns, delivering solid performances for Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively.
The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi earned his first start for Manchester City in a 2-0 victory over FC Porto.
Deployed in midfield, Bouaddi played around 75 minutes and stood out for his composure and technical quality.
He completed 71 touches with a remarkable 98% pass accuracy, while also recording seven recoveries, one interception and several defensive interventions.
City manager Enzo Maresca praised the teenager afterwards saying “he is only 18 years old, but he was excellent.”
Striker Erling Haaland was equally impressed, describing Bouaddi as “a gem.”
The performance comes just weeks after the young Lion of the Atlas joined the Premier League champions.
At the Santiago Bernabéu, Brahim Diaz was equally influential as Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2-1.
Starting on the right side of the attack, the Moroccan international provided the assist for Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal in the 14th minute.
Diaz remained active throughout and nearly claimed a second assist later in the game after a strong individual run, though Jude Bellingham was unable to convert.
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho highlighted Diaz’s contribution saying “Brahim did a very good job for the team, cutting inside and allowing our full-backs to press higher.
