Bilbao, Spain – Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz has been appointed by the Technical Committee of Referees (RFEF) to oversee the La Liga EA Sports match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis at San Mamés Stadium on Sunday, March 22nd, kicking off at 9:00 PM local time (8:00 PM UTC). The Galician official will be assisted by Catalan Ávalos Barrera as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
This appointment marks another chapter in Muñiz Ruiz’s involvement with Real Betis matches, a history that has seen its share of controversy. Whereas Betis boasts a record of four wins and four draws in eight Primera División matches officiated by Muñiz Ruiz, two incidents in particular continue to be debated by fans and analysts.
The first contentious moment occurred during Muñiz Ruiz’s debut with the Verdiblancos, in a match against Rayo Vallecano in the 2021-22 season. He issued a red card to Álex Moreno following a challenge where Isi, of Rayo Vallecano, suffered a head injury. The dismissal left Betis playing with ten men, and the match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw. Betis also felt aggrieved by a penalty claim in that same match that went unheeded. Following this match, Muñiz Ruiz did not officiate another Betis game for some time.
He did return to oversee a Betis fixture in the 2022-23 season, a 3-1 victory for the Seville-based club against Almería. The 2023-24 season saw Muñiz Ruiz in charge of three Betis matches: a 1-0 win over Rayo at the Villamarín, a 0-0 draw and a 3-2 loss against Almería. In the 2024-25 season, he officiated a 1-2 defeat in Pamplona and a 2-2 draw at home against Barcelona.
More recently, this season, Muñiz Ruiz was at the center of another debate during the Levante-Betis match, which finished 2-2. He disallowed a goal scored by Altimira due to a perceived foul by Junior in the build-up. The decision sparked immediate discussion and scrutiny, adding to the narrative surrounding the referee’s involvement in Betis matches.
For Athletic Bilbao, the appointment of Muñiz Ruiz comes as they prepare for a crucial match in their pursuit of European qualification. The Basque club currently sits in a strong position in the La Liga table, and a victory over Betis would significantly bolster their chances of securing a spot in next season’s Champions League or Europa League. The match at San Mamés is expected to be a lively affair, with the home fans providing passionate support for their team.
Real Betis, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their own push for a European place. Despite the recent controversies surrounding officiating in their matches, the team will aim to focus on their performance on the pitch and secure a positive result in Bilbao. The club’s supporters will undoubtedly be hoping for a fair contest and a favorable outcome.
The presence of VAR, overseen by Ávalos Barrera, will add another layer of scrutiny to the match. VAR has grow an integral part of modern football, aiming to correct clear and obvious errors made by the on-field referee. However, the use of VAR itself is often subject to debate, with fans and pundits frequently questioning the interpretation of incidents and the impact on the flow of the game.
This match represents a significant test for both Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis, and the performance of the refereeing team, led by Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz, will be closely watched by fans and observers alike. The outcome could have important implications for the race for European qualification in La Liga.
Following this match, Real Betis will return to Seville to prepare for their next La Liga fixture, while Athletic Bilbao will travel for an away match. Details regarding those upcoming matches will be released by the league in the coming days.
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