The first El Clasico of the 24/25 season will take place next weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu, with both clubs in contrasting form. Barcelona is flying high under the guidance of tactician Hansi Flick, whereas Real Madrid continues to struggle with the absence of key players from yesteryears.
But in Clasicos, anything is possible, and although Barcelona is the favorite to win it this time, nothing can be said for certain.
The referee for this clash was revealed to be José María Sánchez Martínez – a familiar name among those who watch La Liga regularly. If you ask, both Barcelona and Madrid fans would call the decisions he has made over the years ‘biased in favor’ of the other.
🚨 JUST IN: José Maria Sánchez Martinez will be the referee in El Clásico. @elchiringuitotv pic.twitter.com/JGaYdWYOGV
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 21, 2024
In reality, the record Martinez holds in charge of games for these clubs, is slightly tilted in favor of Barcelona.
Sánchez Martínez has officiated 29 matches involving Real Madrid, with Los Blancos winning 19, drawing 7, and losing 3. In contrast, he has refereed 26 Barcelona matches, of which the Catalan side has won 20, drawn 2, and lost 4.
Clearly, Barcelona enjoys a better win percentage under the Murcian referee compared to Real Madrid. However, Barcelona fans will remember that the last two times he officiated El Clásico, things didn’t go in their favor.
In April earlier this year, Sánchez Martínez controversially disallowed a Barcelona goal, paving the way for Jude Bellingham to score a late winner, sealing a 3-2 victory for Real Madrid.
Similarly, in October 2022, he oversaw Real Madrid’s 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu, though that night was free of controversial calls.
Madrid should be the clear underdog heading into the Clasico, with Barcelona leading La Liga ahead of the record champions by three points.
