Huijsen does not convince Mourinho
The center-back has accumulated three red cards in the 52 matches he has played for Real Madrid.
Dean Huijsen, a 21-year-old center back for Real Madrid, was sent off in the 52nd minute of the derby against Atlético for grabbing Giuliano Simeone inside the box. The action resulted in the penalty for 1-0 and left José Mourinho's team with ten players at the Metropolitano. The Real Madrid transfer market is displeased with the defender, who has already seen three red cards with the white team.
Dean Huijsen influences the Real Madrid derby
Huijsen had initially received a yellow card for the incident with Giuliano. The VAR called referee Ortiz Arias to review the play, and after checking the monitor, the yellow card was changed to a red one. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the penalty in the 53rd minute.
The incident changed the game. Real Madrid had to play with ten men for most of the second half, and Atlético took advantage to extend their lead through Jonathan David in the 59th minute. Mourinho's team could only pull one back in the 89th minute with a header from Antonio Rüdiger.
Huijsen's action occurred after a through ball to the defense. Giuliano won the race, and the center back grabbed the attacker before he could advance towards the goal, a play that proved crucial for the derby outcome.
After that play, Mourinho might have lost confidence in the 21-year-old player. The coach stated after the match that he had not yet seen a replay of the incident and that his assessment depended on whether the foul occurred inside or outside the box.
🚨 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐔𝐈𝐉𝐒𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓! 🟥
— D.Or (@DorSport100) September 21, 2026
In 122 games for Juventus, Roma, and Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen received 0 red cards.
Since joining Real Madrid, he has received 3 red cards in just 52 games. 😳 pic.twitter.com/poDU5ZPqGE
Dean Huijsen's role in Mourinho's Real Madrid
Huijsen's season had started with a consistent presence in the starting eleven. According to official data from Real Madrid, he has played 7 matches, totaling 592 minutes, with 6 league starts and 0 goals and 0 assists in the 2026/27 season.
The center back arrived at Real Madrid in 2025 from Bournemouth and signed a contract until June 30, 2030. The club announced then that the agreement would last for five seasons.
His first season in Madrid ended with 40 games and 2 goals before entering this second season under Mourinho's orders. The defender, born in Amsterdam on April 14, 2005, represents Spain internationally and was called up for this three-week break.
The expulsion against Atlético comes amidst criticism the Real Madrid had faced for various refereeing decisions. Mourinho focused much of his post-match conference on two other incidents that, in his analysis, could have led to Atlético players being sent off.
Now Dean Huijsen will have to wait for the next match to respond on the field. Real Madrid will face the international break after losing 2-1 to Atlético, while Mourinho will have to decide whether to keep the center back as part of his defense after an expulsion that influenced the last derby.
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