Marrakech – Moroccan internationals Brahim Díaz and Ilias Akhomach engaged in a heated altercation during Real Madrid’s dramatic 2-1 triumph over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night.
The Atlas Lions duo, who recently lined up together for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON), found themselves in an intense face-to-face showdown in the dying minutes. The heated exchange occurred away from the cameras and required teammates to step in and separate the feuding pair.
Díaz came off the bench in the 10th minute after Jude Bellingham pulled up with an apparent hamstring strain. The Real Madrid forward proved instrumental in Los Blancos’ victory, delivering the assist for Vinícius Júnior’s 15th-minute strike and earning the crucial penalty that Kylian Mbappé buried in the 100th minute.
The dust-up traces back to Morocco’s heartbreaking continental final defeat to Senegal. Díaz found himself in the crosshairs after fluffing a decisive Panenka spot-kick in the closing stages of regulation. The Madrid man was hauled off during extra time, with Akhomach coming on in his place.
Rumors suggest the incident exposes cracks and deep rifts within the national squad following their final setback. Some reports indicate relationships between star players have soured considerably since the tournament ended, as the North African nation missed out on its second trophy since 1976.
The match itself saw Real Madrid battle through early adversity after losing Bellingham to injury. Jorge de Frutos restored parity for Rayo in the 49th minute, but the visitors’ chances took a hit when Pathe Cisse saw red in the 80th minute for a reckless challenge on Dani Ceballos.
Mbappé’s converted penalty marked his 22nd La Liga strike this campaign, keeping Real Madrid breathing down Barcelona’s neck in the title chase. The victory extended Los Merengues’ winning streak to six matches, while Rayo remained precariously positioned just one point clear of the drop zone.
The confrontation between the Moroccan internationals adds another subplot to Real Madrid’s turbulent season. The incident unfolded just four days after their shocking 4-2 Champions League capitulation against Benfica, indicating the pressure surrounding the club.
Some observers say that what started as continental disappointment has now crossed borders into Spanish football, creating unwanted drama for both players and their clubs.
Read also: In Defense of Brahim Diaz: Legends Fall and Return Stronger
