According to a report by Madrid Universal on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Javier Alberola Rojas is expected to referee Sunday's El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with his previous decisions involving Los Blancos likely to attract attention ahead of the highly anticipated encounter.

Madrid Universal, citing journalist Edu Garcia, who referenced Alfredo Martinez, reported that Alberola Rojas is set to take charge of the clash between the two Spanish giants.

The appointment comes at a crucial stage of the La Liga title race, with Barcelona holding a six-point advantage over Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho’s side will be eager to secure a victory to reduce the gap, while a defeat would leave them nine points behind their fierce rivals.

However, the referee’s previous record involving both clubs has already become a talking point, particularly among Real Madrid supporters who have expressed frustration over several decisions in past matches.

Alberola Rojas has officiated in La Liga since 2017 and is regarded as a relatively lenient referee, averaging approximately 3.6 yellow cards per league match.

According to the report, Real Madrid have recorded 12 wins, three draws and four defeats in the 19 matches he has officiated involving the club, giving them a winning percentage of approximately 63 per cent.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have enjoyed a better record under the referee, winning 10, drawing two and losing just one of their 13 matches with him in charge.

This represents a winning percentage of approximately 77 per cent, although the statistics alone do not establish that the referee favours the Catalan club.

Sunday’s encounter would also mark Alberola Rojas’ first competitive El Clasico, adding further pressure to an appointment that is already attracting considerable attention.

One of the most controversial matches involving the referee and Real Madrid came in September 2023, when Los Blancos suffered a 3-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid protested an apparent foul on Jude Bellingham before Atletico scored their opening goal, but Alberola Rojas allowed the goal to stand.

He also disallowed an Eduardo Camavinga goal because Antonio Rudiger was in an offside position and was considered to be interfering with play.

Another incident involved Atletico defender Jose Maria Gimenez, who received only a yellow card following a dangerous challenge on Rodrygo.

The decisions fuelled frustration among Real Madrid supporters, who questioned several of the referee’s interpretations during the match.

Further controversy emerged during Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in March 2024.

Rodrygo went down inside the penalty area during an incident that attracted attention, but Alberola Rojas had already blown his whistle to stop play.

The decision raised questions about why the game had been interrupted and reportedly angered sections of the Madrid support.

Real Madrid also appealed for penalties during their match against Real Betis in September 2024.

The referee rejected appeals involving a possible handball by Diego Llorente and a challenge by Youssouf Sabaly on Dani Ceballos.

He eventually awarded Real Madrid a penalty after goalkeeper Rui Silva brought down Vinicius Junior, although VAR intervention was required.

Despite Real Madrid winning the match 2-0, the club’s television channel strongly criticised the officiating.

Alberola Rojas was also in charge when Real Madrid suffered a 5-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid in September 2025.

During that encounter, he awarded Atletico a penalty after Arda Guler caught Nico Gonzalez with a high boot. The decision sparked debate over whether the challenge warranted a spot-kick.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid preparing for another decisive encounter, Alberola Rojas’ appointment is expected to remain a subject of discussion as attention turns to Sunday's El Clasico.