Huijsen sent off and K.O. for semifinals: a crucial absence against PSG

The afternoon seemed calm for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, but a rookie mistake by Dean Huijsen complicated things in the final stretch of the match. The referee had added five minutes and the white club was leading 2-0 on the scoreboard. However, everything changed in just a few seconds.

Beier took advantage of a mistake by Rüdiger to close the gap, although Mbappé, with an acrobatic goal, restored the lead. Nevertheless, Borussia Dortmund fought until the end of the match and managed to make it 3-2 after a mistake by Dean Huijsen. The center-back, who had been putting in great performances until now, made a concentration error that led to Guirassy's goal.

A very important absence for Xabi Alonso

For Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen's absence is extremely important. The center-back had established himself as a regular starter in the white defense and won't be available against Paris Saint-Germain. With the score at 3-1 after Mbappé's goal, the center-back grabbed an opponent and conceded a penalty in the 96th minute that allowed Dortmund to get back into the match.

In fact, the Germans had one last chance that Courtois stopped. The Belgian showed his great reflexes to prevent what would have been a disaster at MetLife Stadium. Real Madrid would have had to face extra time with one player less and with Dortmund attacking relentlessly.

The truth is that the referee didn't hesitate to show a straight red card to Huijsen, who won't be able to play the semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. In principle, the center-back would be available for a potential final, since it was a sporting infraction without violent conduct. If that hadn't been the case, the suspension would have been at least two matches.

Real Madrid levels the playing field with Paris Saint-Germain

A few hours earlier, Pacho, the Ecuadorian center-back for Paris Saint-Germain, also saw a straight red card against Bayern. He wasn't the only one, as Lucas Hernández also had to leave after being sent off in the final moments. This means Luis Enrique will have to rely on a center-back pairing of Marquinhos and Beraldo.

Real Madrid had a certain advantage in that regard, but the red card to Dean Huijsen has changed everything. In place of the Spanish center-back, Raúl Asencio will come in, who was also sent off in the group stage.