Two Real Madrid players were in action for Spain as La Roja ran out 3-0 winners in a convincing victory over Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying action on Thursday night. The Stadion Vasil Levski welcomed over 40,000 fans to watch as Luis de la Fuente picked Dean Huijsen to start with the win sealed by goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino.
Huijsen’s performance in Spain’s 3-0 victory offered another glimpse of why Real Madrid view him as a cornerstone for the club’s defensive future.
Across 90 composed minutes at centre-back, Huijsen displayed the kind of attributes that align perfectly with De La Fuente’s tactical identity. His passing was exceptional, completing 98 of 104 attempts at a 94% success rate. This level of precision, paired with his ability to break lines and create one chance, reflects the team’s emphasis on building play from the back, just like at club level, an area where Huijsen’s calmness under pressure has made him a regular already. Defensively, he showed the balance between intelligence and authority that Madrid demand. Four clearances, including two headed, alongside a block, interception, and three recoveries, highlighted his positioning and anticipation. His aerial dominance (winning 67% of duels) is particularly significant for a Madrid side often asked to control set pieces and dominate physically in both boxes. Though he lost his only tackle and conceded two fouls, these moments underline his willingness to impose himself when necessary, a trait valued in high-pressure matches. Even in attack, his two shots and 0.11 expected goals point to a defender comfortable contributing during set plays. At just 20 years old, Huijsen is already exhibiting the technical quality, tactical maturity, and composure that make him an ideal fit for the long-term demands of the Bernabéu and also the Spanish national team. This performance was not simply about numbers, it was about embodying the blend of elegance and steel that has defined his start at Real Madrid.
Dani Carvajal got minutes off the bench
Carvajal’s cameo in the win was short but efficient, reflecting his trademark reliability, replacing Tottenham’s Pedro Porro with the win already done and dusted.
In just 28 minutes, the Real Madrid right-back completed all 25 of his passes (100%), showing precision in distribution and comfort under pressure. Defensively, he added three recoveries and split his ground duels evenly (1/2), while also drawing a foul. Though his attacking output was limited, 0/2 crosses completed and no successful dribbles, his involvement provided stability and control on the flank.
The veteran’s impact may not have been spectacular statistically, but his introduction reinforced Spain’s defensive shape and ensured composure in possession, underlining the qualities that make him such a trusted figure for both club and country.
