Real Madrid is now in the semifinals of the Club World Cup, where PSG awaits. Xabi Alonso’s team played a great first half but ended the match suffering from a goal by Borussia in the final stretch and a mistake by center back Dean Huijsen in the last minute that cost him a red card. The expulsion means he will miss the crucial and vital match against Luis Enrique’s team, where all players will be needed.
Huijsen’s mistake
Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card in the 96th minute for a penalty on Guirassy when the team was leading 3-1. Shortly after Kylian Mbappé’s goal, Borussia launched a dazzling attack that ended with the striker making contact with the center back, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Brazilian referee Abatti showed the Madrid player a red card, with the terrible consequence that he will miss the semifinals. It is the first game the defender has missed since his arrival. Five games and, until his sending off, every minute on the pitch. After the sending off, Huijsen apologized on his Instagram. “Great game by the whole team today. I apologize for getting sent off and not being able to help the team in the next game. Hala Madrid!”
Flawless to date
Real Madrid knew they had to strengthen their defense due to injuries and poor performances throughout the season. The club moved quickly and, with the Club World Cup on the horizon, did not hesitate to invest $58 million to sign Dean Huijsen, the center back for Bournemouth and the Spanish national team. The club went all out, aware of the player’s talent and seeing him as a bet on the future at only 20 years old.
It was a bet that paid off, as the choice was undoubtedly the right one. Until last night’s mistake, the player’s performance in the Club World Cup had been outstanding, providing what Xabi Alonso wants from him, which is seriousness and defensive solidity, something he has demonstrated beyond a few isolated mistakes; good ball control and good touch to play short and long passes, his ability to read the game and play impossible passes between the lines is surprising.
His great performance is valued by the coach, who nevertheless believes he still has room for improvement. “He is another of the pillars and he has shown the personality with which he gets things done. With the national team and with us. In games and on a daily basis. He’s a great signing. We have to support him, push him, because he has room for improvement. He can’t relax. But I’m happy to have Dean with us.”
Xabi Alonso’s solution
Huijsen has been a fixture in the three-man defense in recent games, forming a trio with Rüdiger and Tchouaméni. Ahead of the clash with PSG, Xabi Alonso will have to choose between Asencio, Militao, and Jacobo Ramón to replace the Malaga-born player and strengthen a defense that will be key to the Whites’ hopes of reaching the Club World Cup final on July 13.