Referee named for Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid

The Spanish Football Federation appointed referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez as the man in charge of Saturday’s Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid, which will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Estrada Fernandez is an experienced referee who has ben overseeing Primera Division matches for the last 11 years. This season, he was in charge of Real Madrid’s opening game of the 2019-2020 Liga season. Los Blancos won 1-3 in Balaidos and Luka Modric was sent off.

He has also called Atletico’s draw against Alaves and their away win against Betis this season.

Estrada Fernandez will have his hands full on Saturday. Madrid Derbies are always extremely intense and referees are crucial because they set the tone of how tough the players can defend.

Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid last met in the Spanish Supercup Final, where Zidane’s men won the title in the penalty shoot-out. They also drew when Madrid visited the Wanda Metropolitano earlier this season.