Dean Huijsen delivered another complete performance in Real Madrid’s 3-2 derby win over Atletico Madrid.
On a night where Madrid needed composure, structure, and reliability at the back, Huijsen stepped up. His performance — marked by near-flawless distribution and a string of crucial clearances — reflected a player growing into both his role and the weight of expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After the match, Huijsen spoke about the importance of the result:
“Yes, well, we all knew how important
this match was, especially for the league. And of course, a derby makes it even more special. And we’re very happy that we won and want to keep it up.”
Huijsen emphasized the collective effort behind the victory:
“We played well as a team, we played very close together, and well, if we win, all the better.”
That cohesion hasn’t always been present this season. Madrid have undergone significant changes — a new coach, new signings, and evolving roles — and Huijsen himself experienced a dip in form earlier in the campaign. But he addressed that period with maturity:
“My slump earlier this season? It eventually passes. All footballers have slumps, and I think the injuries didn’t help either. But well, I think all Madrid fans and everyone knows the level I’m capable of, and I think I’m reaching that level right now. And that’s it, that’s what I work for every day, to keep going like this.”
There’s a clear sense that Huijsen is not only regaining his best level but embracing the pressure that comes with wearing the shirt.
“I think that the demands of the Bernabéu are, in a way, good. Because it shows what Madrid fans expect from me, that they trust me, and that they know I can give more.”
One of the game’s most controversial moments, Fede Valverde’s red card, also drew a response from Huijsen.
“Yes, the truth is I was a little incredulous because I didn’t believe it, and well, for me it’s a yellow (not a red card to Fede). He stops an action and that’s it. He doesn’t even hit it with his studs up, he doesn’t hit it too hard, he stops it and that’s it.”
Madrid managed the second half intelligently — something Huijsen credits, in part, to the manager’s intervention at halftime:
“The manager demands a lot from us and knew we could give more, and well, he asked us for that little bit more at half-time and I think we came out very well.”
Huijsen also spoke about the evolution of the team this season:
“I think what you said is true, we’re a new team, we’ve signed a couple of new players, myself included, and we’ve changed coaches. I think the adaptation is normal, and well, of course, they demand a lot from us, and that’s fair because we’re the best club in the world and the best team, and I think we’re now performing at that level and developing that chemistry.
“Is Real Madrid back? Well, I think it never really left, that’s what I’m saying. We had a lot of changes and we have to adapt. We work every day for that.
“We’re going to give it our all and of course we want to win everything, hopefully it will be a special season.”
Finally, Huijsen also shed light on his growing partnership with Antonio Rüdiger — a key factor in Madrid’s recent defensive stability:
“I think Rüdiger is a really good guy, he helps me a lot, we help each other, I think we play well together and of course, matches are always good. We have a really good balance, we have that chemistry, it’s hard to explain but when you have it, you have it.”
