Real Madrid youngster under scrutiny ahead of Benfica clash after critical error vs Sociedad | OneFootball

Real Madrid square off against SL Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff tomorrow at Estadio da Luz.

Los Blancos go in game against Jose Mourinho’s side without some important players, with Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Eder Militao, all of whom are injured.

Meanwhile, Raul Asencio, who has become an important part of the team in recent months, also misses out as he is suspended after receiving a red card in the team’s final league phase game against the same opponent.

Huijsen under the scanner

What it means is that Dean Huijsen is pretty much guaranteed to start in defence tomorrow against Benfica, with Antonio Rudiger set to partner him.

And, according to AS, the Spanish defender finds himself under immense scrutiny heading into the game after his critical error against Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Indeed, Huijsen was guilty of giving away a penalty at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first half, when Real Madrid were leading 1-0.

The summer signing from AFC Bournemouth went to ground hastily and his challenge on Yangel Herrera left the referee with no option but to point to the penalty spot, with Mikel Oyarzabal netting from 12 yards out.

Huijsen gave away a penalty vs Real Sociedad. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

It was another critical error from Huijsen, who had previously been sent off against the same opponent in the reverse fixture. While he did not see red this time, there were some boos from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.

However, at the same time, the 20-year-old defender received some strong support in the form of loud applause from the fans, while his defensive partner, Rudiger, also ensured that the youngster’s shoulders did not drop.

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa has also stood in support of Huijsen even as the defender’s form has been on a downward spiral.

While Huijsen is enjoying the support, at the same time, he remains under immense scrutiny. And, another misstep, especially in a crucial game like the one against Benfica, could make things worse for the Spanish international.

After all, Rudiger is now fully fit and Asencio, once he returns from suspension, could push Huijsen out of the Real Madrid starting XI.