Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés in a La Liga match held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid on April 21, 2026. Defender Dean Huijsen played a pivotal role, completing 11 long balls and making 11 clearances, the highest on the field. After the match, Huijsen emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity throughout the game, noting that while the team started strongly, their performance dipped as the match progressed. He acknowledged the challenge posed by teams fighting to avoid relegation, stating that such opponents often bring heightened motivation. Despite the uneven performance, Huijsen reiterated the significance of the win in the context of the title race, stressing that Real Madrid must strive for victory in every remaining match to secure the league title.