Sánchez Martínez and the other match officials arrive in La Cartuja, setting the scene for a high-stakes cup final between Real Madrid and Osasuna. The 2023 Copa del Rey final is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, in Seville, with the Royal Spanish Football Federation orchestrating a football festival that aims to deliver drama, quality, and memorable moments on the field.
In the buildup published on Friday, head coaches Carlo Ancelotti and Jagoba Arrasate share their expectations about the clash at Seville’s venue, highlighting how every tactical choice and player mindset could tip the balance in a decisive game. Among the central figures is referee José María Sánchez Martínez, the Murcian official who makes his Copa del Rey final debut in this edition. His standing in the spotlight follows recent hours of media attention surrounding his professional responsibilities and a linked discussion about his real estate dealings that circulated in some outlets. This surrounding conversation underscores how refereeing at the highest level sometimes intersects with public scrutiny beyond the white lines of the pitch.
Press conference and live coverage: what to watch for in the Copa del Rey final officiating panel
The on-site press conference featuring Sánchez Martínez and the refereeing team is a focal point for fans and media seeking insight into the officiating approach for the final. Viewers can tune in to the official channels of the Royal Spanish Football Federation to watch live streams of the event, with the appearance slated for Friday, May 5, at 1 p.m. local time. The session is expected to cover topics such as game management, communications with on-field teammates, and the referee’s interpretation of key match situations that could influence the flow of the final.
As always in major cup finals, the jury of officials operates under intense scrutiny from coaches, players, pundits, and supporters. The assignments are designed to ensure a fair contest while maintaining the pace and intensity that such a marquee fixture demands. The narrative surrounding the officiating team complements the on-field tactical duel between Real Madrid and Osasuna, with each decision potentially shaping the momentum and outcome of the match.
Historically, Copa del Rey finals hosted in Seville bring an electric atmosphere, where tactical discipline, set-piece execution, and goalkeeper performances rise to the forefront. For Real Madrid, the objective is to convert chances into goals while preserving defensive solidity against a capable Osasuna lineup. For Osasuna, resilience and swift counterattacks can create moments of opportunity that tests the hosts’ defense and the referee’s ability to maintain rhythm. This dynamic underlines why the agenda around the match officials matters to fans who follow every whistle and signal from the VAR room to the stadium seats.
The broader context of this final includes the significance of Seville as a host city, with its deep football culture and passionate supporter base. The venue has long been a stage for dramatic cup battles, and this edition continues that tradition by stacking two competitive teams against a backdrop of tactical nuance, physical intensity, and high-stakes decision-making. Observers will look for clarity in officiating, consistent application of the rules, and effective communication by the refereeing team to keep the match flowing while addressing critical moments with fairness.
With Real Madrid aiming to add another trophy to their cabinet and Osasuna seeking to cap a strong campaign with silverware, the Copa del Rey final promises a compelling narrative. The officials, including Sánchez Martínez, are integral to delivering a match that is both competitive and compliant with the sport’s standards. Fans and analysts alike will assess not only goals and assists but also the quality of refereeing that supports a memorable football spectacle.
Note: The coverage around the officiating lineup highlights how contemporary football conversations extend beyond the pitch, touching on the responsibilities and public profiles of referees. While the focus remains on the players and the game itself, the role of the officials is essential to the fairness and spectacle of the final, and observers will be watching closely as the action unfolds in La Cartuja.