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On Saturday, all eyes will be on the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium. The legendary Real Madrid venue will be the scene of the Clasico between the Merengues and FC Barcelona. More than a match between the two enemy brothers of Spanish football. First with 27 points, the Blaugranas intend to continue their good momentum and widen the gap with the Madrilenians, second with 24 points. But there is no doubt that for his first Clasico, Kylian Mbappé (25 years old) will be keen to shine, just like his teammates. To direct this XXL meeting, the Technical Commission of Referees has appointed Mr. José María Sánchez Martínez.
Aged 41, the international referee from Murcia is very experienced. Indeed, A.S. indicates that he has already led the Clasico six times during his career. Described by the Spanish media as being a “serious referee and not inclined to protests”however, he has not escaped controversy. Of the 6 matches he refereed between the Merengues and the Catalans, there were three victories for each side. But A.S. writes that “Sánchez Martínez is a referee that Real Madrid does not like and who has been harshly criticized on several occasions.” Last season, during the derby against Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid TV had also harshly tackled the man with the whistle.
Real Madrid keep a close eye on the referee
“Will he be able to sleep tonight? Madrid remains leader despite the arbitration. They deducted two points for not having whistled three penalties. Grotesque and incomprehensible decisions by the referee prevented Madrid from winning. The sanctions are scandalous, they are very clear. VAR was conspicuous by its absence. I wish they would come out and explain. Statements made after a derby during which Real Madrid claimed two penalties on Bellingham and another on Lucas Vázquez. Seeing him lead a Clasico is therefore not reassuring in the Iberian capital. A.S. also specifies that it is “in the viewfinder” of Casa Blanca.
A.S. recalls, however, that Barça had written in a match report “how bad you are” and had accused one of his assistants of having entered the locker room. But in the Catalan press, we don’t pay too much attention to this choice and we avoid criticism. Sport notably wrote: “Sánchez Martínez is a specialist in staging Clasicos. He has refereed it six times so far, with three wins for each team. The last match between Barça and Real Madrid that he managed dates back to October 16, 2022. The Merengues won three to one thanks to goals from Benzema, Valverde and Rodrygo, while Ferran Torres scored for Xavi’s team.” Accompanied by his assistants and in particular Mr Muñiz Ruiz at the VAR, the Clasico referee is already under pressure.
For this match, Parions Sport en Ligne offers you a welcome bonus of €85 and €15 no deposit with the code FM15. A 1st goal from Kylian Mbappe against FC Barcelona earns you up to €415.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
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