The first leg of the 2017 Spanish Super Cup final was guided by a whistle that would be remembered for its precision and calm. That edition, played under the Saudi Arabia format, set a precedent for the competition and for how tightly the road to a domestic crown could be shaped by a single officiating performance. In that season, refereeing decisions and on-field management helped define the tone of a tightly contested tie, leaving a lasting impression on fans and teams alike.
On Sunday, the baton passes to De Burgos Bengoetxea from Bilbao, who will take charge of his third Clásico. The match pits Barcelona against Real Madrid, two heavyweights at the heart of Spain’s footballing history, in a high-stakes encounter at Camp Nou. This time the clash arrives within the La Liga framework, and it marks the first league edition of this fixture for the Basque referee in charge. His prior Clásico assignments have been in different formats, adding an extra layer of anticipation for what a league battle between these two giants can reveal under his watchful eye.
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In the two legacy instances where De Burgos Bengoetxea managed the Clásico, the audience had a clear sense of what to expect: a contest defined by tempo, tactical discipline, and moments of individual brilliance that could swing the balance. The first of those clashes came in 2017 when the format was narrow and the final decisive in nature. The final scoreline favored Real Madrid as it completed the first leg at Camp Nou with a 3-1 advantage for the visitors, a result that underscored the away-team pressure in a high-stakes semifinal-like setup.
The memory of that era lingers—Cristiano Ronaldo lifted his shirt in a bold celebration aimed at the rival stands, a gesture that became a defining image for the rivalry. A few months later, Lionel Messi mirrored that intensity in a Bernabéu setting, signaling that in Clasicos the emotional currency can be as decisive as any tactical plan. The emotional and competitive heartbeat of these clashes has always elevated them beyond simple league play, turning them into cultural moments that resonate with fans across the country and beyond.
The second notable Clásico under this official occurred in Saudi Arabia, a venue that has hosted the fixture as part of the broader strategy to globalize Spanish football. Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3-1 win that showcased the visitors’ attacking fluency and organizational strength against a Real Madrid side eager to respond but unable to gain the upper hand. That edition reinforced the perception that the Clásico is a living narrative, constantly evolving with each manager’s blueprint and each generation of players stepping into the spotlight. (Goal)