When the Whistle Calls: Munuera Montero to Officiate Barcelona vs Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup Final

Match Context

All eyes turn to a fresh Clasico showdown as Real Madrid and Barcelona contest the Spanish Super Cup title in Saudi Arabia, the fourth Clasico in a row under the competition’s revamped format. The final will be overseen by Spanish referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.

Referee Record and Match History

This final represents Munuera Montero’s third Clasico assignment in his career. His previous Clasicos include the January 2022 King’s Cup semi-final, a 3-2 Real Madrid win after extra time, and the March 2, 2023 King’s Cup semi-final first leg in which Real Madrid were defeated at home 0-1. Barcelona has appeared 31 times under his whistle, recording 22 wins, 3 draws and 6 losses, with their latest defeat under his guidance a 5-3 loss at Villarreal on January 27, 2024. Real Madrid have been under his supervision in 20 matches, yielding 16 wins for Madrid, 2 draws and 2 losses. This season, Madrid have only faced him once, a 1-0 victory over Getafe that featured a late red card for Getafe.

The final will be broadcast exclusively via the Thmanyah app, keeping fans connected to the action without leaving their couches. On the Barca side, Montero’s appointment underscores the confidence placed in him to manage a high-stakes Clasico in a neutral venue.

Historically, Montero has had a balanced yet competitive record with the two clubs: 31 Barcelona games yield 22 wins for Barca, 3 draws and 6 losses, while 20 Real Madrid meetings yield 16 Madrid wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. Madrid and Barca will look for supremacy in a trophy that travels far from the familiar pitch.

Punchline: If the match goes long, the whistle might clock more air miles than the players run. Punchline 2: With this many Clasicos, he might need a bigger suitcase for all the yellow cards—just in case the fans start a new language of cheers.