Real Madrid learn Dean Huijsen punishment after La Liga reject appeal against red card as Xabi Alonso faces selection headache

According to a report by Marca, Huijsen will miss Real Madrid’s next La Liga match after the Spanish Football Federation’s Competition Committee upheld his red card from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Sociedad. The Spain international was dismissed for pulling down Mikel Oyarzabal in the 32nd minute, with referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruling the foul denied a clear goalscoring chance. Madrid’s initial appeal was dismissed on Wednesday.

The club had argued that Oyarzabal was still around 40 metres from goal and that Eder Militao was close to covering the attack, making the dismissal excessive. Their complaint was further fuelled by the CTA’s post-match review on ‘Review Time,’ which suggested a yellow card would have been a more appropriate sanction. Despite that analysis, the disciplinary body stood by the referee’s original interpretation.

Madrid have reportedly confirmed they will escalate the case to the Appeals Committee in an attempt to overturn the ban before Saturday. If unsuccessful, Huijsen will miss the Espanyol clash, adding to Alonso’s mounting selection problems. The disciplinary decision comes amid growing tensions between Madrid and Spain’s refereeing body.

The ruling leaves Alonso in a difficult position ahead of Saturday’s game against Espanyol. Antonio Rudiger is sidelined with a muscle injury while Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off during the Champions League win over Marseille. Without Huijsen, Madrid may have to turn to fringe players like David Alaba or Rafa Marín to partner Eder Militao at the back.