Soto Grado, the Derby Referee
The Technical Committee of Referees has appointed César Soto Grado as the referee for the match between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. Soto Grado, 44, is one of the most experienced and capable referees to handle the pressure in such an important match.
However, he has been criticized by both teams in the past. The last time he refereed a derby, in January 2023, Atlético de Madrid issued a statement criticizing his refereeing and accusing the refereeing system of being influenced by Real Madrid.
Atlético de Madrid has also criticized Soto Grado in the past, especially after he sent off Savic in a Copa del Rey quarterfinal match. The current situation in Spanish football is one of great tension, with the refereeing collective in the spotlight.
Real Madrid has accused the refereeing system of being ’tainted’ and ‘corrupt’, while Atlético de Madrid has responded to the controversy with a series of accusatory tweets against the whites. The pressure on Soto Grado is tremendous, but the referee has the experience and ability to handle the situation. The match will be played at the Metropolitano, with Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in charge of the VAR. Expectations are high, and all eyes will be on Soto Grado and his refereeing.
