Real Madrid have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming La Liga clash with Espanyol, as the Spanish Football Federation has once again rejected their appeal to overturn Dean Huijsen’s red card. The decision confirms that the young defender will be unavailable for the match, a blow to Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive options.
Huijsen was dismissed in Madrid’s previous outing after a controversial challenge that split opinion among pundits and supporters alike. The club swiftly lodged an appeal, arguing that the decision was harsh and that video evidence supported their case. However, the disciplinary committee has upheld the referee’s call for a second time, effectively closing the door on any further review.
For Madrid, the timing is far from ideal. With injuries already stretching their back line, Huijsen had been expected to play an important role in maintaining defensive stability. His absence leaves Ancelotti with fewer options as his side attempts to keep pace at the top of the table.
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According to Marca, the club is frustrated by what they perceive as inconsistency in disciplinary rulings. Madrid officials feel similar incidents in La Liga have resulted in lesser punishments or successful appeals, raising questions about uniformity in refereeing decisions. Still, the ruling is final, and the team must now prepare without Huijsen.
Espanyol, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on the uncertainty. The Catalan club has been in solid form and will see Madrid’s weakened defense as an opportunity to test their resilience. For Ancelotti, the challenge will be finding the right balance in his back line, perhaps turning to younger players or shifting veterans into unfamiliar roles.
Huijsen’s suspension also halts the momentum he has been building since breaking into the first team. At just 19 years old, the defender has shown promise with his composure and positioning, and Madrid fans were eager to see more of him in competitive action. His enforced absence serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football.
As the dust settles on the failed appeal, Madrid now turn their attention fully to Espanyol, where three points remain essential in their pursuit of the La Liga crown—albeit without one of their rising stars.
