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Real Madrid News Real Madrid star shows noticable shift in mentality despite Real Betis setback Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years. But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos. Huijsen keeps his promise As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him. There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer. This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro. “What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word. His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger. He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers. His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork. The Konate partnership grows Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance. The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing. Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white. Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness. Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup. Real Madrid News Real Madrid duo in contention to enter squad for Inter Milan match Real Madrid are set to kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday when they host Inter Milan at the Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho’s side will be looking to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis last time out. And ahead of the crucial European opener, the Portuguese has received a timely boost, with Thiago Pitarch and Endrick both in contention to feature. Pitarch and Endrick back in training According to Arancha Rodriguez, Pitarch and Endrick returned to full group training on Sunday, alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, in the final session before the Inter clash. Both are now in contention to make the squad vs Inter. All three had been sidelined by injury, with Pitarch having suffered a torn medial collateral ligament during pre-season and Endrick nursing a muscular problem. Their return to team training is a welcome development for Mourinho, even if none of the trio are likely to start given they missed more than a month of preparation. Of the group, Pitarch and Endrick are reported to have the best chance of making the matchday squad, with the pair now working to sharpen their fitness in the coming days. Why Pitarch could prove crucial Pitarch’s potential availability is particularly significant given Mourinho’s threadbare midfield options for the Inter game. Real Madrid will be without Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva, all of whom are suspended, leaving the Portuguese short in the middle of the park. With Tchouameni also only just returning from a groin issue, the young Spaniard could offer valuable depth in an area where Mourinho has few alternatives. For Endrick, meanwhile, the game represents a chance to make his competitive debut under Mourinho and begin clawing back ground on Carlos Espi in the race for a bench role in attack. While Mourinho will not want to rush any of his returning players, having Pitarch and Endrick back in the fold offers him some much-needed flexibility as Real Madrid look to make a statement in Europe.