Alejandro Hernández Hernández is reportedly set to referee the huge Barcelona vs Real Madrid clash at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 25, with the appointment expected to be his seventh El Clásico. However, the Spanish federation has not yet officially confirmed the appointment, and newer reports say the referee may only be formally announced 24 hours before kick-off.
The reported choice has already created plenty of debate, particularly around the Real Madrid camp. Hernández Hernández has a controversial history in this fixture, including several highly debated decisions from previous meetings.
His record in Clásicos is also eye-catching. Across his six previous meetings between Barça and Madrid, Barcelona have won three, Real Madrid have won one, with two draws.
Madrid’s unease is understandable given the timing. The club has recently intensified its concerns about Spanish refereeing and has submitted documentation to UEFA relating to the Negreira case, making the refereeing spotlight around this year’s Clásico even brighter.
And the drama has already started before a ball has even been kicked. Reports say Madrid-linked media figures have questioned the potential appointment, with some arguing that Hernández Hernández is the wrong choice for such a high-pressure fixture.
🔥 Barcelona vs Real Madrid. Camp Nou. October 25. A massive Clásico with the referee controversy already building.
The game hasn’t even started yet… and the talking points are already flying. 👀⚽