Spanish refereeing authorities have officially selected veteran official Juan Martínez Munuera to take charge of the upcoming El Clásico clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Joining him on matchday duties, Javier Iglesias Villanueva has been designated to oversee operations as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

​The appointment comes as La Liga prepares for one of the most anticipated encounters of the domestic season. Managing a fixture of this magnitude requires exceptional composure and top-flight experience, qualities Martínez Munuera has demonstrated throughout his career. The official from Benidorm has refereed in Spain's top division since 2013 and has maintained FIFA international status for over a decade.

​This fixture marks the fifth time Martínez Munuera will blow the whistle in an El Clásico. Across his four previous assignments in this rivalry, he has handled high-intensity encounters across both La Liga and domestic cup competitions, developing firsthand familiarity with the tactical tension and pressure that define this contest.

​The choice to place Iglesias Villanueva in the VAR room reflects a clear commitment to experienced oversight. In modern football, video review plays a central role in high-stakes matches where tight decisions can influence title races. Having a dedicated VAR specialist monitoring the match gives additional support to the on-field officiating team.

​As both clubs prepare for a pivotal league battle, the refereeing crew will operate under close attention from players, managers, and supporters alike. With top-of-the-table momentum and immense prestige on the line, the officiating team aims to deliver a controlled, consistent performance that keeps the focus squarely on the football on the pitch.