The first leg of the 2017 Spanish Super Cup final and its most recent edition in Saudi Arabia were both overseen by referee De Burgos Bengoetxea from Bilbao. He will oversee his third Clásico on Sunday, a Barcelona versus Real Madrid clash that brings the two heavyweights into contention for the La Liga title at Camp Nou. It will be the first time he has officiated this league encounter between the clubs.
A subscription to DAZN costs from €18.99 per month and includes live coverage of La Liga for the 2022-2023 season in many regions, enabling fans to watch matches and follow the action closely. The official role of the referee in such a high-stakes derby is always under the spotlight, given the intensity and history that these teams bring to every meeting on the pitch.
The previous two occasions when De Burgos Bengoetxea refereed the Clásico were during the Spanish Super Cup. The first date back to 2017 with the former two-team format, where the tie was decided over a single encounter rather than a two-legged affair. He handled the first leg at Camp Nou, with Real Madrid posting a 3-1 win in favor of the away side, a result that mattered greatly in the final outcome of the event that year.
The Clásico has long been a stage for memorable moments, and this fixture did not disappoint. In that era a celebrated moment saw Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate a goal by briefly lifting his shirt to the stands of Barcelona’s rivals, a gesture that echoed similar displays by Lionel Messi in a later clash at the Bernabéu. Those kinds of scenes are part of the lore that surrounds these matches, where every touch and decision can become a talking point for weeks.
The second of the two domestic Clásico showdowns between these teams took place in Saudi Arabia and was held within the current era’s format for the Super Cup. Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side to reflect on what might have been in that encounter. The developments of that match added another chapter to a rivalry defined by tactical battles, star power, and a willingness on both sides to push for supremacy across every competition they contest.
Looking ahead to the upcoming league clash, fans can expect a match defined by strategic nuance and high intensity. The decision-making in midfield battles, the timing of forward runs, and the discipline of the backline will all be critical as both teams seek to establish momentum in the title race. The tactical setup and Premier League style of play that has influenced contemporary European football in recent years will again be on display as managers weigh risk and reward in pursuit of three crucial points.
As with all Clasico illustrations, the atmosphere inside Camp Nou will be charged, with a sense that the result could tilt the balance in favor of one side during the sprint towards the autumn and winter fixtures. The narrative around the match will be shaped not only by the players on the field but also by the officiating decisions, VAR reviews, and the broader context of the season. In such moments, referees must maintain composure, manage the tempo of the game, and ensure fair play while allowing the contest to unfold with as few interruptions as possible.