Huijsen: “Is Real Madrid back? Well, I think it never really left”
The Spanish center-back spoke in the mixed zone after the Derby
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 22: (L-R) Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid, Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 22, 2026 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Dean Huijsen delivered another complete performance in Real Madrid’s 3-2 derby win over Atletico Madrid. On a night where Madrid needed composure, structure, and reliability at the back, Huijsen stepped up. His performance — marked by near-flawless distribution and a string of crucial clearances — reflected a player growing into both his role and the weight of expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After the match, Huijsen spoke about the importance of the result: “Yes, well, we all knew how important this match was, especially for the league. And of course, a derby makes it even more special. And we’re very happy that we won and want to keep it up.
” Huijsen emphasized the collective effort behind the victory: “We played well as a team, we played very close together, and well, if we win, all the better. ” That cohesion hasn’t always been present this season. Madrid have undergone significant changes — a new coach, new signings, and evolving roles — and Huijsen himself experienced a dip in form earlier in the campaign.
But he addressed that period with maturity: “My slump earlier this season? It eventually passes. All footballers have slumps, and I think the injuries didn’t help either.