WATCH: Dean Huijsen bullet header makes the points safe for Real Madrid

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid moved to within a single point of La Liga leaders Barcelona after a commanding 3-0 victory over Elche at the Bernabéu, sealed by a powerful Dean Huijsen header late in the contest.

With Raul Asencio withdrawn from the squad shortly before kick-off because of muscle discomfort, 18-year-old centre-back Huijsen retained his place alongside Antonio Rudiger. The German defender rewarded that faith in first-half stoppage time, breaking the deadlock to send the hosts in 1-0 up at the interval.

Five minutes after the restart, Federico Valverde continued his recent scoring streak, curling a superb effort beyond the Elche goalkeeper from the edge of the area to double the advantage.

Coach Álvaro Arbeloa began rotating with one eye on Wednesday’s trip to Manchester City, removing Rudiger, Valverde and Vinícius Júnior midway through the second half. The changes did not disrupt Madrid’s rhythm. In the 78th minute, debutant substitute Daniel Yanez delivered an inviting cross from the right that Huijsen met with a thumping header from ten yards, effectively ending the contest.

The win lifts Real Madrid to within striking distance of the summit, setting up a tense title run-in while offering encouraging glimpses of the club’s emerging talents.