Real Madrid have suffered a major setback ahead of their Club World Cup semifinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain: Dean Huijsen, a standout performer in defense, will miss the match due to suspension after being sent off in the quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund.

What Happened to Dean Huijsen?

In the 96th minute of the dramatic quarterfinal, Huijsen received a straight red card for bringing down Serhou Guirassy inside the box, resulting in a penalty that nearly changed the outcome. Despite the tense moment, Madrid managed to secure a 3-2 victory, earning their spot in the semifinals.

What Did Huijsen Say After the Red Card?

Shortly after the match, Dean Huijsen addressed the incident on Instagram, writing:

“Great game from the whole team today. I apologize for being sent off and not being able to help in the next match. ¡Hala Madrid!”

The message reflected his remorse and team spirit, acknowledging the weight of his absence for the high-stakes semifinal.

Who Could Replace Huijsen in the Starting XI?

With Huijsen suspended, manager Xabi Alonso must make a crucial decision for the defensive line. The leading options to replace him are:

• Raúl Asencio , a promising young defender
• Éder Militão , who continues his return from injury
• Jacobo Ramón , another academy product gaining first-team experience
• Or possibly Aurélien Tchouaméni, being repositioned as a center-back if Alonso opts for a more flexible setup