Xabi Alonso was unable to guide Real Madrid to the Supercopa de Espana trophy after his side suffered a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the final. Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia twice equalized for Los Blancos but Raphinha's deflected second-half strike proved to be the difference between the El Clasico rivals.
Madrid headed into the game after a much-needed 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals. This alleviated pressure on Alonso whose job has been in doubt several times during his debut season in charge.
But Alonso was forced to make changes to the side that beat Atleti and that included in defense. Antonio Rudiger was unable to play through the pain barrier after doing so in the Madrid derby.
Real Madrid summer signing continues to disappoint
Alonso had options to replace Rudiger in Madrid's starting XI and he turned to Dean Huijsen who has endured a dissapointing start to life at the Estadio Bernabeu. The Spanish center-back arrived from Bournemouth last summer after his €58 million release clause was triggered.
Huijsen was one of Europe's most in-demand defensive talents and opted to join Los Blancos. Many expected him to carry the impressive form shown at the Vitality Stadium to the Spanish capital.
That hasn't been the case as he hasn't been able to replicate such defensive solidarity and is still to get to grips with the demands of playing at an elite club. He has also endured injury issues that have plagued his season.
The 20-year-old put in an unconvincing display in the Supercopa final defeat to Barca. winning just one of four aerial duels, losing possession six times and making one error leading to a goal. He was given 76 minutes before Alonso opted to sub him off for David Alaba.
Madrid's injury curse meant he started alongside Aurelien Tchouameni in central defense and playing next to a midfielder performing a makeshift role can be difficult. But he has yet to live up to expectations and this is becoming problematic for Los Merengues.
Huijsen needs a permanent center-back partner
If Madrid want to get the best out of Huijsen they must given him a permanent partnership so that he can get comfortable in Alonso's backline without constant changes. That could be Raul Asencio, who played at right-back last night, although the club are expected to be in the market for a new center-back this summer.
With the likes of Rudiger and Alaba looking likely to depart, it's crucial that the transfer chiefs search for an experienced option rather than another youthful prospect. There needs to be a leader in defense and someone who can help Huijsen build his confidence and return to his Bournemouth best.
One of those options was Marc Guehi who is set to leave Crystal Palace as a free agent in the summer. But Madrid are reportedly no longer in the race for the 25-year-old who captained the Premier League side to FA Cup glory last season.