Din Husein Faces Anfield Challenge: Real Madrid Defender Feels at Home Across Europe
3 November 2025
Match Preview
Spanish defender Din Husein of Real Madrid says playing at Anfield won’t pose any problem for him as Madrid prepare to face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.
Madrid head to Anfield for Tuesday’s group-stage clash, the fourth matchday of the Champions League, aiming to secure a win and keep their perfect early form in the campaign.
In the press conference ahead of the match, Husein said: "We’re really looking forward to the game and we hope to take the three points and show our best." He added: "I’m living my dream and I hope to bring joy to Real Madrid fans. I’m mentally well and very happy." He also praised his defensive partner Militao, saying: "Militao is a complete defender and off the pitch a good man; we are adapting well together."
Husein reflected on his return to England and on Anfield itself: "I have played at Anfield before, so it won’t be a problem; it’s just a football stadium. It ultimately depends on the players; I’d rather train at our stadium." He also expressed gratitude for his Italian years with Juventus and Roma, where he learned to defend well and remains thankful for both clubs’ roles in his development.
On the team’s attacking threat, he highlighted Mbappé’s Golden Boot achievement and said: "After Mbappé’s Golden Boot, you can’t say he had a bad season last year; we are very happy to have him." He also added: "I try to distribute the ball well and help teammates as much as possible, as Xabi Alonso asks."
On the mood around his teammate Vinícius Junior after a substitution in the Clasico, Husein said: "Many things in the press are written about Vinícius and blown out of proportion; it wasn’t as big as it seemed, and he apologized, which I think is fair—these things happen in football."
Regarding a return to England, he added: "I have played at Anfield before, so it won’t be a problem; it’s just a football stadium and, at the end, it comes down to the players. I’d rather train with our teammates back home than here."
He continued: "In Italy I learned how to defend well and I’m grateful to Juventus and Roma; their decisions to let me go helped me grow, and I had good times there."
Speaking about his teammate Mbappé's form, he said: "After Mbappé won the Golden Boot, you can’t say last season was bad; we’re all very happy he’s with us."
Concluding, he said: "I think I distribute the ball well and try to help my teammates in every way Chemi Alonso asks, and I’m glad to do it."
Madrid have won the first three group games, while Liverpool have two wins and one loss. Alonso revealed his squad for the Liverpool match, with a lineup featuring the core stars and a familiar frontline alongside young talents.
In injury news, the Argentine winger Franco Mastantono was ruled out due to an injury described as mysterious by AS, a situation that also mirrors the ongoing mystery surrounding Lamine Yamal. The club’s medical team is watching his status daily and recommends restricted activity until symptoms subside.
As for Mastantono’s participation in upcoming fixtures, including a potential return against Liverpool or in the next league games, the answer remains contingent on his response to treatment. He has appeared in most Madrid games this season, totaling substantial minutes and contributing a goal and an assist, with the medical staff urging caution to avoid a relapse.
The medical staff will decide in the coming days whether he can rejoin the group training sessions and compete again, making his availability a focal point for Xabi Alonso before the European clash.
Punchline moment: If defending were assassination, Din would be the sniper—one precise shot and the drama exits stage left. Punchline moment 2: If football had a stand-up department, Din’s routine would close with a clean sheet and a perfect pass to end the show.
