Real Madrid will head into their FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain without 20-year-old defender Dean Huijsen, who was shown a late red card in extra time during their thrilling 3–2 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund.
Real Madrid to Replace Huijsen in Semifinal After Sending Off
Trailing 2–0 deep into stoppage time, Dortmund pulled one back before Kylian Mbappe restored Madrid’s cushion. Then, in the 96th minute—and comfortably two goals ahead—Huijsen brought down Serhou Guirassy inside the box.
🟥 RED CARD – HUIJSEN SENT OFF!
Penalty to Borussia Dortmund after the foul — Real Madrid down to 10!
Huge moment late in the match. ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/yZQDI45nz9— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025
The foul not only conceded a penalty but also resulted in a straight red card, triggering his one-match suspension.
The red card marks a costly lagpse from Xabi Alonso’s reliable young defender, who had rapidly become a linchpin in Madrid’s backline thanks to his calmness and build-up play.
Post-match, Alonso reportedly reminded him: “I prefer they score a goal directly than risk a penalty plus red if we are winning by two,” underscoring the avoidable nature of the challenge.
With Huijsen unavailable, Alonso faces tough choices for the semifinal starting XI. Reports suggest he may opt for Raul Asencio, Eder Militao, or Jacobo Ramon.
Given Militao’s lack of minutes since returning from injury, Asencio appears the frontrunner.
Additionally, Alonso could reconfigure the formation—shifting Aurelien Tchouameni into central defense and reinforcing midfield with Luka Modric or Dani Ceballos—though that option awaits clarity on Eduardo Camavinga’s fitness.
Tactical reconfiguration aside, this is a significant setback for Alonso’s new-look Madrid. Real Madrid Confidencial describes Huijsen’s absence as “a crucial absence… the young defender had established himself as a regular starter”.
Even Defensa Central highlights his performance as one of Madrid’s strongest in the tournament, making his suspension “a blemish… despite their win”.
Madrid edged through a dramatic quarter-final, but the task ahead promises further tension. Their next game against PSG on July 9 will test both their depth and Alonso’s adaptability without their breakout center-back.
