Xabi Alonso ‘unconvinced’ by referee as Dean Huijsen faces suspension | OneFootball

There was only one topic for discussion in Xabi Alonso’s post match interview as Real Madrid sealed a battling 2-1 win at Real Sociedad.

Los Blancos returned to La Liga action with a trip north back to Alonso’s old team and they make the journey back to the capital with all three points.

First half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler secured a fourth victory from four games played so far in 2025/26 but controversy reigned in San Sebastian.

Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card on 32 minutes by veteran referee Jesus Gil Manzano after a foul on La Real captain Mikel Oyarzabal.

Huijsen was adjudged to have been the last man, despite Real Madrid’s view of Eder Militao being in a position to cover both Huijsen and Oyarzabal.

Alonso’s charges were forced to play the majority of the game with ten men, as Oyarzabal converted a penalty after the break, but they gritted out the result.

Huijsen’s dismissal, and subsequent suspension, was a key focus for Alonso at full time and the former Spain international had no explanation.

Image via Real Madrid CF

“For me it was a yellow card. Militao was close and the ball wasn’t under control. Watching the replay, I haven’t change my mind,” as per Marca.

“I asked the referee why he gave a red card, he gave me his explanation, and I wasn’t convinced. I’ll leave it at that.

“The context of the game changed after that, and we played with 10 men for 60 minutes. We had chances and scored the second goal to give ourselves a margin.

“The team knew how to sacrifice and they showed great effort. Winning at the Anoeta is always very difficult, and today it was even more difficult.”

Alonso did not indicate a plan to appeal against Huijsen’s incoming one-game ban and the defender will now miss the home tie with Espanyol on September 20.