Although Madrid was winning broadly and convincingly against Borussia Dortmund, everything became complicated for it during stoppage time. First, the Germans closed the gap, then Mbappé extended it again, and finally, Dean Huijsen was sent off. In a completely unnecessary action, the Spain international committed a penalty and ended up receiving a red card.
This sending off will mean Huijsen won't be available for the Club World Cup semifinals. In other words: Xabi Alonso won't have his star center-back available against the European champion, PSG. This absence will be the first match the defender will miss since his arrival at Madrid, so a replacement must be found for a key clash.
"Great match from the whole team today. I apologize for being sent off and not being able to help the team in the next match. Hala Madrid!", wrote Dean Huijsen after the Real Madrid-Dortmund.
Xabi Alonso will use Raúl Asencio
Since Dean Huijsen won't be available, Xabi Alonso knows exactly who his replacement will be. The chosen one is Raúl Asencio, who has lost his starting spot in this Club World Cup. The 22-year-old Canary Islander has played only 57 min. spread over 3 matches, being one of the most affected players since the Basque coach's arrival.
He played 45 min. against Al-Hilal, was sent off after 7 min. against Pachuca, then missed the match against Salzburg. In the round of 16, he didn't take the field against Juventus, while he played only 5 min. against Borussia Dortmund.
After the Club World Cup quarterfinals, Xabi Alonso wanted to have a private moment with Raúl Asencio. During this, he confirmed to him that he will start in the important match against PSG, telling him: "You have to be ready."
Although his performance hasn't been entirely good so far, Alonso still fully trusts Asencio's abilities. The Spanish defender will partner with Rüdiger at the heart of the defense in the championship semifinals. It's the most cohesive backline possible since Dean Huijsen won't be available, with Tchouaméni moving in as the third center-back.
The trust is absolute and Raúl Asencio already knows he has to be ready to get minutes and start the match.