Luis Diaz scored the match-winner as Bayern Munich lifted the DFL-Supercup on Saturday, with the former Liverpool winger celebrating in tribute to Diogo Jota.
Diaz did not feature for Liverpool throughout pre-season as he awaited a move away from the club, with his £65 million switch to Bayern confirmed at the end of July.
The 28-year-old then started in their first competitive game of the season, coming away to Stuttgart in the DFL-Supercup on Saturday.
Germany’s equivalent of the Community Shield, it pits the champions of the Bundesliga against the winners of the DFB-Pokal.
Bayern’s new No. 14 started in his natural role on the left flank, with Harry Kane firmly established as centre-forward – removing the need for Diaz to fill in up front as he did under Arne Slot at Liverpool.
And after Kane put Bayern 1-0 up in the first half, the Colombian netted what proved to be the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory midway through the second half.
Finding himself completely free in the area as he drifted into a central role, Diaz was found by Serge Gnabry just outside the six-yard box and headed in to make it 2-0.
As he peeled away he gestured for his teammates to give him space, allowing him to emulate Jota’s trademark gamer celebration near the corner flag.
It came the day after Diaz’s former club marked the death of their No. 20 and his brother with a series of tributes throughout their 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield.
Though Diaz was unable to attend Jota’s funeral in Gondomar owing to prior commitments in his native Colombia, he later attended the brothers’ seventh-day mass along with Alisson and a number of the striker’s Portugal teammates.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 14, 2024: Liverpool's Diogo Jota (R) celebrates with team-mate Luis Díaz after scoring his side's second equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He was also present as the Liverpool squad attended the temporary memorial site for Diogo and Andre outside Anfield along with their family.
Stuttgart went on to score a consolation goal in stoppage time through Jamie Leweling, but Diaz’s header was enough to secure the trophy for Bayern.
While lifting silverware every season is expected of Bayern, who dominate in a less competitive field than English football, clinching the DFL-Supercup is an ideal start for Diaz.
He is set to be a key player for Vincent Kompany’s side this season and will almost certainly start their Bundesliga opener against RB Leipzig on Friday evening.