Important decisions on match day don’t rest solely with the on‑field referee. The question circulating ahead of the upcoming classic is who handles video assistance in the VAR room for the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid showdown.
Next Saturday, the act on the pitch will be overseen by Jesus Gil Manzano, as he controls the match between the azulgranas and the madridistas. This fixture marks only the third time in the modern era that these two sides have met with Manzano in charge of the central whistle. The debate now shifts to the other side of the officiating team: which official will be coordinating the VAR review behind the scenes?
Who is Cuadra Fernández, the VAR referee of the Classic Barcelona vs Real Madrid from La Liga 2023-2024: history, statistics and precedents with the two teams
Guillermo Cuadra Fernández, born in Madrid, is officially part of the Referee Association of the Balearic Islands. At 39 years old, he is entering the sixth season in the top flight and made his European competition debut in the previous year. His career has included a steady climb through domestic and continental assignments, earning a reputation for calm decision making and a thorough understanding of the nuances that can influence a game at the highest level.
Cuadra Fernández has officiated Real Madrid on fourteen occasions, compiling a record that includes eight wins, three draws, and three losses for the team. When Barcelona has been the opponent, he has refereed them in fourteen matches, delivering eleven wins, two draws, and just one defeat for the Catalans. These figures reflect a level of trust from both clubs, and they emphasize the weight placed on his performance when the two giants of Spanish football lock horns. In big fixtures such as this, the VAR official’s prior rapport with the on-field referee and his track record in similar clashes are often cited by fans and analysts when assessing potential outcomes on decision reviews and match control. (Goal)
Beyond raw numbers, the real influence of a VAR referee in a classic comes down to communication, consistency, and the ability to adapt to in‑game developments. Cuadra Fernández is known for a measured approach to reviewing incidents, a trait that can help minimize controversial reversals and ensure that on-field calls remain aligned with the game’s flow. In matches featuring Real Madrid and Barcelona, where tactical nuances and high-pressure moments abound, his experience in handling intense moments is considered a key element of the officiating balance. The VAR room operates with a small, dedicated team that reviews angles and replays to confirm or adjust decisions made by the central referee, ensuring that critical moments—such as penalties, red cards, and offside rulings—are adjudicated with clarity and fairness. The aim is not to second-guess the referee on the field, but to provide precise interpretation when visual evidence supports a different conclusion. (Goal)
Analysts often watch for how Cuadra Fernández interacts with the on-field official during contentious episodes, how quickly the room convenes when a decision is under review, and the way in which available angles influence the final call. In the Barcelona versus Real Madrid context, the history between the two clubs adds an extra layer of scrutiny, amplifying the importance of a smooth VAR process. The audience, from dedicated followers to casual spectators, tends to remember pivotal VAR moments in these clashes, which can shape perceptions about impartiality and consistency across seasons. (Goal)
In recent seasons, Cuadra Fernández has demonstrated a steady alignment with contemporary refereeing standards, balancing the spirit of the game with the need for rigorous checks in the VAR suite. For fans tuning in across Canada and the United States, these matches offer a high-stakes showcase where technology and human judgment converge to keep the contest fair and exciting. The ongoing dialogue around VAR emphasizes that while the central referee handles the on-pitch dynamics, the VAR official’s role remains crucial in determining whether a review is warranted and in guiding the review with crisp, decisive communication. (Goal)