The Spanish Football Federation rejected Real Madrid’s request to change the date of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, while media outlets revealed the most likely referee to officiate the highly anticipated El Clásico.
Real Madrid qualified for the final after a hard-fought semi-final victory over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona overcame Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano and are seeking their 35th title.
Real Madrid wanted to postpone the match to allow more time to prepare, but the Spanish Football Federation rejected the idea and insisted on holding the match on Sunday, April 26, at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.
In the same vein, the refereeing committee is in favor of appointing referee Soto Grado to officiate the upcoming El Clásico.
Grado’s appointment is a tribute to him, as this will be his final match as a referee, and starting next season, he will work exclusively using video technology.
Grado was the referee for last season’s second-leg Clásico, which Real Madrid won 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu. His decisions regarding both clubs were highly controversial.
In general, Real Madrid has lost only twice in 21 matches under the 45-year-old referee. Barcelona’s record with him is not the best, with five losses, three draws, and five wins in 13 matches across all competitions.
