Madrid Universal
·13. September 2025
Xabi Alonso explodes at referee after Real Madrid star’s red card vs Real Sociedad

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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·13. September 2025
Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men after just 32 minutes of their clash with Real Sociedad, as Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal.
The young centre-back misjudged his challenge when attempting to cut out a high ball played towards the La Real forward.
Spotting Oyarzabal breaking through on goal towards Thibaut Courtois, Huijsen reached across and made contact with his shoulder, sending the striker tumbling.
Referee Jesus Gil Manzano wasted no time in producing the red card, deeming Huijsen as the last man, even though Real Madrid had Eder Militao nearby in a position to cover.
Naturally, the decision from Gil Manzano sparked furious protests from the Real Madrid players and staff, with manager Xabi Alonso leading the complaints from the technical area.
“Incredible!” exclaimed Alonso from the dugout, visibly furious.
Outraged by the call, Alonso, usually calm on the touchline, first rushed to his staff’s monitor to check the replay, and was convinced Militao’s presence meant it was not a last-man situation.
But when it became clear Gil Manzano would not consult the pitchside monitor, the Real Madrid coach exploded, shouting repeatedly: “This is incredible!”
Alonso’s protests earned him his first yellow card as Real Madrid manager.
With Huijsen off, Aurelien Tchouameni dropped into the backline to partner Militao.
Real Madrid, despite being down to ten men, doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time through Arda Guler after Kylian Mbappe had given them an early lead.