The tactical plan was further disrupted just moments before kick-off when Dean Huijsen was forced to withdraw from the starting XI. The young defender had been expected to play a key role in containing the Barcelona attack, but a sudden illness left Arbeloa with no choice but to turn to his bench at the eleventh hour, throwing Raul Asencio into the heat of the derby.
Explaining the late change, Arbeloa revealed the player's desire to feature despite his physical condition. "He wanted to play. But he was feeling weak, and it was my decision. We needed energy, so I decided to start Raul [Asencio] in his place," he concluded.