When the Whistle Strikes: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Gets a Sharpshooter Ref
1 December 2025
Referee for Barca-Atleti Clash Announced
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Monday the referee for the Barcelona-Atlético Madrid clash in La Liga. The match will be staged at Camp Nou on Tuesday, as part of Week 15 action.
Match official and VAR
Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea will take charge of the game, with VAR duties assigned to Pablo González Fuertes.
Context from the official’s recent assignments
De Burgos previously oversaw Girona vs Real Madrid at Montilivi last Sunday, a 1-1 draw that drew considerable criticism from Real Madrid, including comments from coach Xabi Alonso and the club’s TV channel.
Earlier in the season, he officiated Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Getafe in Round Five, and Atlético Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Osasuna in Round Nine.
Last season, he also presided over Barcelona-Atlético Madrid in a 2-1 Barca defeat, and the return at the Metropolitano where Barça won 4-3 in Round 28 of La Liga.
Across 33 matches with Barcelona, the side has recorded 27 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses under his officiating. He has also taken charge of 35 Atlético Madrid matches, resulting in 24 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses.
Overall, the appointment feeds into ongoing discussions about officiating in big fixtures and how past performances influence expectations for this high-stakes clash.
Punchlines: Sniper joke #1: I don’t miss calls, I just shoot for long-range accuracy—straight for the goal, not the drama. Sniper joke #2: If refereeing were a sport, this whistle would have a scope, and every decision would be a direct hit on the corner flag.
