Huijsen takes centre stage with a penalty and red card

Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men at the Metropolitano in their match against Atlético Madrid. Dean Huijsen committed a penalty foul on Giuliano Simeone, with a lofted ball behind him leading to a clear contact inside the area.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the referee’s decision was reviewed by VAR: after checking the monitor, the official upgraded the card—turning Huijsen’s yellow into a red—in the 52nd minute. Just a minute later, Grimaldo converted the penalty to make it 1-0 in the 53rd.

A penalty that flips the match

The play began with a ball launched to the back of the Real Madrid defender, where Huijsen pulled down Simeone. The report explains that a yellow was initially shown, but VAR ultimately pushed the decision to a sending-off.

Tension and Madrid’s tactical response

With the game already shaped by the numerical disadvantage, Mundo Deportivo also underlines the tense atmosphere and the bench’s reaction. The Madrid coach made changes to alter the structure—bringing on Rüdiger and Diomande after withdrawing Vinicius and Arda Güler—with the team reshaping its setup and Bellingham dropping back to play in a different configuration.

Huijsen’s dismissal therefore matters far beyond the moment itself: it forces Real Madrid to chase the match from the 52nd minute, while Atlético capitalised immediately with the 1-0 after the penalty.