The Spanish Football Federation has appointed the referee for Sunday’s match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu in the tenth round of La Liga.
International referee César Soto Grado will officiate El Clásico, marking the second time he has taken on the role in his career.
The 43-year-old Grado has officiated six matches this season in all competitions and is undoubtedly well-known in the Arab world after officiating the Egyptian Premier League clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek at Cairo International Stadium.
Grado’s appointment could be a good omen for Real Madrid. The only time he officiated El Clásico was two seasons ago, when Los Blancos won 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to a last-gasp goal from Jude Bellingham, securing the La Liga title.
Overall, Grado managed 22 matches for Real Madrid, losing only twice, while Barcelona suffered five defeats in just 14 matches he managed for the Catalan giants.
