Real Madrid youngster under scrutiny ahead of Benfica clash after critical error vs Sociedad

Lisbon – When Real Madrid step onto the Estádio da Luz pitch tomorrow for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff against SL Benfica, all eyes will be on one of their youngest starters. Dean Huijsen, the 20-year-old centre-back signed from AFC Bournemouth last summer, is poised to partner Antonio Rüdiger in central defence after Raul Asencio’s suspension and a spate of injuries to Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes and Éder Militão left the Spanish giants short-handed.

Yet Huijsen travels to Portugal under a harsh spotlight. On Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu he conceded a first-half penalty against Real Sociedad, lunging in on Yangel Herrera and allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to level from the spot. The mistake proved pivotal in a match Madrid ultimately drew, and it marked the second time this season Huijsen has been at the centre of costly errors versus the Basque side; he was sent off in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.

Sections of the Bernabéu crowd greeted Saturday’s foul with audible boos, although the defender also received supportive applause from other fans. Rüdiger was quick to console his partner, and manager Álvaro Arbeloa has publicly backed the youngster, insisting the squad retains faith in his potential. Still, the coaching staff know another lapse in Lisbon could have immediate consequences. With Rüdiger now fully fit and Asencio eligible again after the return leg, Huijsen’s place in the starting XI is far from secure.

For a player who only months ago was seen as an emerging solution to Madrid’s defensive depth issues, the Benfica tie represents both a critical test and a potential crossroads. Should Huijsen hold firm against José Mourinho’s attack, he could steady his trajectory; if he falters, the club’s hierarchy may accelerate plans to relegate him back to rotational duty once injured and suspended teammates return.

Kick-off tomorrow is set for 21:00 local time, and Madrid know a positive result on the road is essential ahead of the second leg at the Bernabéu. How Huijsen handles the pressure may go a long way toward determining whether Los Blancos advance—or whether his own progression stalls at the first knockout hurdle.