Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender issues apology after costly red card against Dortmund
Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has publicly apologised for the red card he picked up during extra time in the Club World Cup quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.
His dismissal will force him to miss the crucial semi-final clash against PSG.
Huijsen took to his social media to share his regret, writing, “Great game from the whole team today. I apologise for being sent off and not being able to help the team in the next match. Hala Madrid!”
Huijsen has been a key figure for Xabi Alonso in recent weeks, making his fifth consecutive start for Real Madrid since debuting in the Club World Cup.
Unfortunately, his involvement ended on a sour note when he was shown a straight red card in the 96th minute after grabbing Serhou Guirassy inside the box.
The referee did not hesitate to send him off, meaning Huijsen will now miss the semi-final tie against PSG.
The good news for Real Madrid is that, since the foul wasn’t violent, Huijsen should only serve a one-match ban, making him available for a possible final.
PSG also hit with double suspension
Gran partido de todo el equipo hoy. Pido perdón por haber sido expulsado y no poder ayudar al equipo en el proximo partido. ¡Hala Madrid! @realmadrid pic.twitter.com/W6dtVDStxH
— Dean Huijsen (@DHuijsen) July 5, 2025
It is not just Real Madrid facing defensive headaches. PSG will also be without two of their key defenders when they face Real Madrid in the semi-final.
Ecuadorian centre-back Willian Pacho was sent off with a straight red card in their quarter-final win over Bayern Munich. Lucas Hernandez was also dismissed late in that match, leaving PSG short at the back.
As a result, PSG coach Luis Enrique will have limited options in central defence. He will likely have to start Marquinhos alongside Lucas Beraldo, hoping they can hold firm against Real Madrid’s dangerous attack.
This defensive crisis for PSG could give Real Madrid an advantage, but Alonso will also need to adjust his plans without Huijsen at the heart of his backline.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
