Real Madrid Stirs Departing Shot Before Clásico: Unyielding Attack on the Next Referee
Madrid unveils the upcoming match referee.
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With their championship hopes fading, Real Madrid is left clinging on, while FC Barcelona edges closer to securing the title following a Champions League setback. But before the Clásico, another referee controversy involving the Royals threatens to overshadow the already tense atmosphere.
Is it their last chance for Real Madrid or Barcelona's imminent championship? Catalan resistance or Champions League hangover? A bitter farewell for Carlo Ancelotti or Hansi Flick's impending triumph? The 261st Clásico's sporting significance could not be greater, given the lean stretch of the league. However, just when you thought the duel on Sunday (4:15 PM on DAZN and ntv.de's live ticker) couldn't get any more dramatic, Real Madrid is once again whipping up a storm by targeting the next referee.
Reminiscent of a bygone era, Real's own TV channel has published a lengthy critique aimed at the assigned referee, Alejandro Hernández Hernández. The video discusses alleged biases against Real and favoritism towards Barcelona, pointing out purported errors he's made against the Royals. The video also delves into their decreased win rate under his leadership. The video ends with a newspaper clipping of an interview from 1994 - when Hernández Hernández was just twelve years old – where he voiced a preference for Barcelona.
A Cursory Look Back
Prior to the Copa del Rey final Clásico a few weeks ago, the Royals had already stirred controversy surrounding referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, even demanding his removal. Although a threatened boycott didn't materialize, these finger-pointing campaigns remain a thorn in Barcelona and the entire league's side, fueling a growing animosity.
In sports terms, the situation is clear: Barcelona holds a four-point lead over Real, with four games left. Should Real lose at the Olympic Stadium, their probability of a title win falls to zero, marking the first season without a title in five years.
Alonso Rumors and Injuries
"We have a tremendous opportunity ahead; we must prepare meticulously - it's almost a decisive game," said Ancelotti, who may be gearing up for his final Clásico. According to "Marca," Xabi Alonso is set to be appointed as his successor, with Real set to lose in all three Clásicos this season. Incidentally, German international defender Antonio Rüdiger will miss this time due to suspension and injury.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona struggles to digest their bitter elimination in the sensational Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan (3:4 a.e.t.) and shakes off the exhaustion. "This defeat should serve as a catalyst for hunger for the championship title," observed Flick, who is reportedly on the brink of extending his contract. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal expressed his ambition on Instagram: "We won't stop until we leave this club at the pinnacle." Real Madrid is sure to put up a fight with Kylian Mbappé and company.
As we rewind the tapestry of Real Madrid's history of challenging referees, especially in high-stakes matches like the Clásico, it's clear that this pattern is no recent anomaly. The club has persistently used its media channels to highlight contentious decisions, often leading to widespread criticism and accusations of attempting to undermine the refereeing system's integrity [1][2].
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid
Insights:
- Real Madrid's referee controversies are not a recent phenomenon, with a recorded history of questioning officiating decisions and using media channels to build pressure ahead of crucial matches, such as the Clásico.
- The long-term effects of such practices have drawn criticism from Spanish football clubs and figures, with concerns about fostering a narrative of victimhood and jeopardizing the integrity of the refereeing system.
- In 2025, Real Madrid's criticism peaked with numerous videos published on their TV channel critiquing specific refereeing decisions, causing an emotional response from officials and leading to controversy in high-profile matches, like the Copa del Rey final.
- The construction of new community aid centers in Madrid could help mitigate the negative effects of the ongoing mudslinging between Real Madrid and Barcelona, providing support for those caught in the crossfire.
- Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández and Real Madrid, his significance in the European-leagues is undeniable, with his decisions impacting the outcome of major games.
- As Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare for the upcoming Clásico, it is crucial to remember the importance of sportsmanship and fair play, rather than engaging in games of hangover accusations and finger-pointing.
- The closing minutes of the 2025 Copa del Rey final Clásico saw a heated exchange between Real Madrid and the referee, sparking concerns about the club'scontinued use of media channels to build pressure on officials and undermining the integrity of the refereeing system.
- In a recent interview with Laliga's official newspaper, former Real Madrid captain and current sports pundit Sid expressed his disapproval of the club's persistent criticism of referees, urging them to focus on improving their performance on the field instead.
