Real Madrid experienced a nightmare in Paris. The white team fell 4-0 to PSG in a match that bordered on disgraceful, especially because of the defensive errors. It was a match to forget... although not everyone will forget it so easily.
A paper-thin defense
From the very first minute, Real Madrid showed signs of weakness at the back. Antonio Rüdiger and the young Raúl Asencio were tasked with leading the back line, but both ended up being protagonists... for the wrong reasons.
Rüdiger was erratic. He couldn't control the defensive line or provide a clean outlet for the ball. Meanwhile, Asencio, with barely any experience in matches at this level, made two key mistakes that resulted in goals for the Parisian side.
Each defensive error was like a knife to the heart of Madridists. Neither the midfield nor the wingers could cover up the obvious: the defense was a disaster.
The bench, silent witness
While the goals kept coming against them, two important names watched everything from the bench: Éder Militao and Dean Huijsen. Both without minutes... until, in the 64th minute, Xabi Alonso decided to make a move.
The coach substituted Asencio for Militao. In just half an hour, the Brazilian showed why he's considered one of the best defenders in the world when he's at 100%. Solid, fast, with good timing in tackles and the personality to command from the back.
A message from the bench
Dean Huijsen, sitting next to the coaching staff, saw it all. The young center-back, who is set to become one of Madrid's great prospects, didn't hesitate to applaud Militao's performance. In fact, as later images showed, he was seen approaching the Brazilian after the final whistle and saying:
"You're a cannon in defense... you have to come back now. We have to play together." A gesture of respect, admiration, and also ambition. Huijsen knows that if he wants to grow, he needs to be alongside the best, and Militao is one of them.
The pairing of the future?
With Rüdiger far from his best and Asencio still too green for these challenges, everything suggests that the future of Real Madrid's defense lies with Militao and Huijsen. One with experience, strength, and authority. The other with potential, talent, and hunger for minutes.
Together, they could form a fearsome partnership. The match against PSG was a tough lesson, but it could also be the starting point for a new defensive era at Bernabéu.