Alejandro Hernandez to Referee El Clasico, Marca reports

Spanish referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez will take charge of the upcoming El Clasico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on October 25, for the 10th round of the La Liga season, Marca reported. The official assignment has already sparked significant discussion and scrutiny across Spanish media circles, reviving longstanding debates over match officials in Spanish football.

Experience in High-Profile Fixtures

At 43 years of age, Hernandez Hernandez brings extensive domestic and European experience to the fixture. He previously refereed the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in March, which finished 5-2. Within La Liga, he has already officiated two recent Clasicos: a 2-0 victory for Barcelona in May and a high-scoring 4-3 win for the Catalan club in May 2025.

Broadcast commentators and Real Madrid TV criticize appointment

The appointment has drawn immediate pushback from broadcast commentators and club media. During an appearance on the Radio Marca program “La Tribu de radio,” a presenter characterized the league’s choice as “bad news.” This sentiment echoes past public criticisms from Real Madrid TV, the official television channel of the Merengue club. Ahead of their May 2025 meeting, the channel targeted Hernandez Hernandez directly, describing him as a referee in his 13th top-flight season who had been a Barcelona supporter since childhood.

Real Madrid TV also highlighted historical statistics regarding the official, pointing out that among referees who have managed at least 10 matches for the club, Hernandez Hernandez recorded the lowest win percentage. According to those figures, Real Madrid secured victories in 54 percent of matches under his watch, winning only two of their last six fixtures with him on the field. The May 2025 fixture itself ended in a 4-3 victory for Barcelona, though it was accompanied by numerous refereeing controversies that drew subsequent complaints from the Catalan press.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Appointment

When and where will the October 25 Clasico take place?

The match is scheduled for October 25 as part of the 10th matchday of La Liga.

What are Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez’s recent assignments?

Aside from his domestic duties in Spain, Hernandez Hernandez officiated the Champions League round of 16 first leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in March.

How many Clasicos has Hernandez Hernandez refereed previously?

He has taken charge of two recent high-profile meetings between Barcelona and Real Madrid, overseeing Barcelona’s 2-0 win and their 4-3 victory in May 2025.

More on this story: FC Barcelona has no official notice to alter Real Madrid Clásico schedule