His face mirrored his soul. He stared straight ahead, frustrated, searching for himself. Searching for the version of himself who was the undisputed star, not the penalty he had just conceded. His foul on Yangel Herrera left no room for debate. Dean Huijsen went to ground in a rush, and Hernández Maeso did not hesitate. Nor did Mikel Oyarzabal from the spot when he equalised. Afterwards came a few whistles, but the Bernabéu Stadium preferred applause. The clapping drowned out the jeers, an attempt to heal, to inspire, to support a footballer who needed it. Later, Álvaro Arbeloa, an extension of the club itself, reinforced the message with a crystal clear mission: bring back soldier Dean.
The context only heightens its importance. He is capital for the future and crucial in the present, especially with José Mourinho looming on the horizon. That same stadium where Madrid were euphoric 12 years ago and left in darkness two weeks ago, against a SL Benfica side that dominated, won and suffocated them. The frustration boiled over to the point that Marco Asensio was sent off, meaning the academy graduate will miss the first leg of the play-off. Alongside Antonio Rüdiger, back after his injury against Real Sociedad, and Huijsen, who suffered badly in that 4-2 defeat, the defensive core will be under scrutiny. Lisbon will be more than a match. It will be an exam. For Madrid and for Dean, living under the spotlight and searching for a turning point at Estádio da Luz.
He arrives there after finding support where, on other afternoons such as the win against Rayo Vallecano, there had only been murmurs of discontent. After a disappointing performance, instead of the sound of indifference, he heard the stadium extend a hand. Arbeloa amplified that gesture: he reminded everyone that Huijsen is only 20, in his first season at Real Madrid CF, and that defending there is uniquely demanding. He stressed that the penalty was well taken and that this is the defender’s reality: 90 strong minutes can be overshadowed by a single action. In Huijsen’s case, he insisted, that was not the full story. It was deliberate positive reinforcement designed to bury the negative.
The phrase captures the night perfectly. He was not dominant in his duels, winning two of four. He missed both tackles he attempted and carried a glaring blemish. That is the truth. So is the way he responded, showing a stronger version of himself instead of being swept away by the storm. The nerves that have appeared on other occasions gave way to a more recognisable presence on the ball.
He finished as Madrid’s most involved player, leading the team in touches and completed passes. Rather than hiding, Dean demanded possession and used it with outstanding precision, misplacing only a handful of passes. His accuracy in longer distribution stood out as well, a vital trait for a side that often builds through extreme verticality without pausing in midfield. That was the light in the tunnel, the detail they cling to as a way forward.
With Dean fit, the plan becomes easier to execute. Arbeloa knows it, and so does the player. Despite managing a persistent calf issue, he is aware that several more steps are required. The club’s faith in him is intact, and the Bernabéu, after the brief murmurs, offered forgiveness. It was a vote of confidence Huijsen intends to repay, starting in Lisbon.