Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen admitted he "couldn't believe" the decision to dismiss teammate Fede Valverde in the 77th minute. The Uruguayan international was shown a straight red for a challenge on Atletico Madrid's Álex Baena, an incident Huijsen maintained "was only a yellow card".

"I was a bit incredulous because I simply couldn't believe it," he told reporters in the mixed zone. "For me, it's a yellow; he didn't go in studs-up or with excessive force."

Despite being reduced to ten men, Real Madrid held on to secure a 3-2 victory in the capital derby. "We knew how much this game meant to us, and the fact it was a derby added that extra edge," he noted. "We're delighted with the result and have to keep this momentum going."

The defender also touched upon his recent dip in form, which had seen him targeted by whistles from sections of the Real Madrid support.

"Ultimately, every player goes through these spells. Form fluctuates, and injuries certainly didn't help my cause," he explained. "The Real Madrid fans know what I can produce, and I'm showing that now; that's what I work for every day."

Addressing the jeers, Huijsen added: "The high standards at the Bernabeu are a positive, really. They show what the fans expect of me. They trust me and know I have more to give."

Finally, Huijsen stood up for Real Madrid's displays this term, acknowledging a campaign of fluctuating fortunes following a period of upheaval. This included a change in the dugout, with Xabi Alonso's departure and Alvaro Arbeloa's arrival on 12 January.

"We are effectively a new side, with several new faces and a different coach, so there is naturally a period of adaptation," he said. "The pressure is immense, but that is to be expected because we are, after all, the best club in the world, and we are now finding our best form. Real Madrid never truly went away; we simply underwent significant changes and needed time to adapt and progress."

Dean Huijsen

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