Martínez Munuera, a referee with history for Atlético
Atlético de Madrid is preparing to visit Alavés with Juan Martínez Munuera as the referee for the match. A name that evokes bittersweet memories for the Colchoneros fans, especially for Antoine Griezmann and Pablo Barrios.
Martínez Munuera is the only referee who has sent off Griezmann in LaLiga during his time at Atlético, one of the two red cards he has seen as a Rojiblanco (the other was in the Champions League against Liverpool).
More recently, there was Barrios’ sending-off at the Metropolitano against Celta, a decision that came after VAR review and that marked a match that became even more complicated with a penalty in favor of Celta.
Despite these specific incidents, Atlético’s overall record with Martínez Munuera is favorable: 34 matches refereed, with 21 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses. Of the last ten matches, Atleti has achieved eight wins, one draw, and one defeat.
A curious fact is that Martínez Munuera was the referee in Atlético’s last victory in Vitoria, in the 20-21 season, when an agonizing goal from Luis Suárez gave the team the three points. In contrast, Alavés has a less positive record with this referee, with only 4 wins in 13 matches. In short, a match with a referee who leaves no one indifferent in the Atlético world.
