Barcelona referee watch: Javier Alberola Rojas’ record, controversies and El Clasico history

Barcelona referee watch: Javier Alberola Rojas’ record, controversies and El Clasico history Javier Alberola Rojas is set to take charge of Sunday’s El Clasico , with Barcelona entering the marquee clash six points ahead of Real Madrid, as per journalist Edu Garcia (h/t Alfredo Martinez ). His appointment comes at a turbulent time in Spanish football , when almost every game seems to spark a debate over refereeing decisions. For Barcelona supporters, the numbers paint an interesting picture. Alberola has overseen considerably more victories than defeats for the Catalans. Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Alberola Rojas’ refereeing record Alberola has officiated in La Liga since 2017 and is generally less inclined to issue cards than many other Spanish referees. The 2024/25 Vicente Acevedo Trophy winner averaged 3.6 yellow cards per match, compared with the competition average of 4.85. He also awards approximately 0.32 penalties per game. Across all competitions, Barça have won 10 of their 13 matches officiated by Alberola, drawing twice and losing just once. Real Madrid’s record is less impressive: 12 victories, three draws and four defeats in 19 matches. That represents a 77% win rate for Barcelona, compared with 63% for Madrid. Importantly, Alberola Rojas has never refereed a competitive Clasico before. Alberola Rojas set to referee his first El Clasico. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) Sunday’s meeting between the two Spanish giants is set to be the 35-year-old’s first crack at an El Clasico , and it comes under trying circumstances. Previous Barcelona controversies involving Alberola Barcelona won all three league matches officiated by Alberola Rojas last season, beating Celta Vigo 4-2, Villarreal 2-0 and Levante 3-0. The Villarreal encounter in December 2025 was particularly eventful as the Spanish official awarded Barcelona a penalty following Santi Comesana’s challenge on Raphinha. He later dismissed Renato Veiga for a dangerous tackle on Lamine Yamal. Villarreal manager Marcelino questioned the red card, but the general consensus was that it was warranted. Another notable incident occurred during Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad in December 2019. Alberola awarded the hosts a penalty for a shirt-pulling incident involving Sergio Busquets. However, a similar incident involving Gerard Pique at the other end went unpunished. That inconsistency remains an example of the decisions that can frustrate Barcelona supporters. What his record means for Sunday’s Clasico Alberola’s recent history with Real Madrid includes their heavy 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in September 2025 and a 1-1 draw with Girona in April 2026. However, historical results cannot be used as evidence that a referee favours either club. Based on the numbers, Alberola’s record looks clean for the most part. Barça have had some run-ins with Alberola Rojas in the past. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) For Flick’s side, the more important concern is how Alberola handles physical challenges and tactical fouls. Barcelona’s possession-based approach depends on players such as Pedri and Lamine Yamal receiving protection when opponents repeatedly disrupt attacking moves with tactical fouls. At the same time, they need to remain disciplined with their aggressive counter-pressing and when stopping Real Madrid in transition. With a nine-point advantage potentially available through victory, Barcelona cannot afford to become distracted by refereeing controversy. Alberola’s record offers grounds for cautious optimism that the focus can finally remain on the football in a major La Liga fixture. A first El Clasico represents his biggest test yet, and it remains to be seen how the 35-year-old handles the emotionally charged atmosphere at the Camp Nou.