Referee named for El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Copa del Rey Semifinals

The Spanish Football Federation appointed Sanchez Martinez as the man in charge of the return leg of the Copa del Rey Semifinals between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu this Wednesday. Sanchez Martinez was also the referee in the first El Clasico of the season which ended 5-1 for Messi and Co.

De Burgos Bengoetxea will be in charge of VAR this time. Real Madrid fans will remember him as the referee who sent off Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2017 Spanish Super Cup between Barcelona and Madrid. De Burgos Bengoetxea thought Ronaldo dived trying to get a penalty call and showed him the yellow card. Ronaldo had been fouled and his frustration ultimately led him to push the referee and get a five-game suspension.

Real Madrid earned a solid 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou, which means that they would clinch their presence in the Copa del Rey Final with any win —and also a 0-0 draw—.