Every major match carries its share of controversy, and the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Osasuna was no exception. The clash for silverware tested the mettle of Sánchez Martínez as a referee, presenting a sequence of pivotal calls that shaped the drama on the pitch. This piece examines the key decisions and moments that defined the match from a officiating perspective.
Follow the events of the Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid and Osasuna faced off in a high-stakes showdown that drew the attention of fans and pundits alike.
The controversies of the 2023 Copa del Rey final Real Madrid vs. Osasuna
The final opened under a cloud of scrutiny due to the appointment of Sánchez Martínez to take charge of the match. Many watchers had anticipated a different official, perhaps Mateu Lahoz, whose personality and experience have long polarized opinions in Spanish football, especially as he prepared for retirement at season’s end. The choice of Sánchez Martínez immediately raised questions about how the game would be managed at the crucial moments.
During the opening half, tensions persisted as play intensified. In the later stages of the first period, a situation arose involving Vinícius, who received a yellow card for disputing a foul that appeared to be a clear and dangerous counterattack for Real Madrid, orchestrated by Rodrygo. The booking intensified debates about the threshold for discipline in fast transitions and the consistency of cautions across similar duels throughout the match.
Earlier in the contest, Vinícius had been involved in a physical confrontation with David García following a collision in the Osasuna area, a contact that sparked heated exchanges and added to the sense that the match would hinge on minor incidents as much as on tactical execution.
Who is José María Sánchez Martínez, the referee of the final of the Copa del Rey 2023 Real Madrid vs. Osasuna?
José María Sánchez Martínez, the referee from Murcia, has a notable trajectory in European football. He made his mark by debuting in top-tier Spanish fixtures and has earned recognition as a reference point for the newer generation of match officials, who are stepping into roles once held by veteran referees. His appointment for a cup final reflected confidence in his ability to manage high-pressure situations, including the nuanced decisions that arise in a tightly contested final.
He stands among Spain’s UEFA Elite referees and has gained experience across major European competitions, including involvement in Champions League and Europa League matches in the same season. His resume includes officiating high-profile clashes that have tested his judgment and control in moments of intense scrutiny.
Earlier in the season, Sánchez Martínez supervised games that featured Real Madrid, including a clásico that concluded 3–1 in favor of the Madrid side. He also presided over away fixtures for Real Madrid, such as the victory in Bilbao and a match at the Bernabéu against Celta, with Osasuna receiving attention from his officiating in March when the Navarre team drew 0–0 with Celta de Vigo. These experiences framed expectations for how he would handle the Cup final and its specific pressures.