The latest El Clasico already carried enormous tension before a ball was kicked, but the appointment of Alejandro Hernández Hernández as referee has only intensified the debate surrounding Barcelona vs Real Madrid.
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Hernández Hernández will officiate the massive La Liga clash on matchday 35 of the 2025-26 season, with Juan Martínez Munuera operating as the VAR official. Unsurprisingly, the announcement immediately reignited controversy among both fanbases.
Few referees in Spanish football divide opinion like Hernández Hernández. Over the years, the Canary Islands-born official has overseen several explosive Clasicos, Madrid derbies, and title-defining fixtures filled with disputed calls, VAR drama, and endless media discussion.
Who Is Alejandro Hernández Hernández?
Alejandro José Hernández Hernández was born on November 10, 1982, and has been among Spain’s top referees for more than a decade. FIFA-listed since 2014, he has consistently handled high-pressure La Liga matches and major domestic clashes.
His refereeing style is generally viewed as calm, authoritative, and willing to let matches flow. However, his biggest games have frequently become overshadowed by controversial decisions and heated VAR interventions.
That pattern has followed him into multiple Clasicos involving Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Previous El Clasico Controversies
One of the most chaotic Clasicos under Hernández Hernández featured a series of incidents that sparked outrage from both clubs.
VAR official Martínez Munuera became heavily involved throughout the match, with several decisions dominating headlines after the final whistle. One of the earliest controversies came when Barcelona believed an offside action should have stopped Real Madrid’s attack before the opening goal.
The refereeing team judged Pau Cubarsi’s touch as intentional, allowing play to continue. Minutes later, Real Madrid scored to make it 0-2.
Barcelona supporters were equally furious over Frenkie de Jong’s alleged handball in the buildup to Barca’s equaliser. VAR did not intervene, and the goal stood.
The biggest debate arrived in the 36th minute when Aurelien Tchouameni brought down Ferran Torres during a dangerous counterattack. Hernández Hernández chose to award only a yellow card, despite arguments that Torres had a clear goalscoring opportunity with the Madrid midfielder acting as the last defender.
Many expected a red card.
The referee instead opted for what many described as the “safe” decision in a high-profile match.
VAR Drama Continues
The second half produced even more VAR tension.
When Tchouameni blocked Ferran Torres’ shot with his arm inside the box, Martínez Munuera advised Hernández Hernández to review the incident on the monitor. Despite the recommendation, the referee maintained his original decision and did not award a penalty.
Hernández Hernández argued that Tchouameni’s arm position was natural and close to his body, showing confidence in his on-field judgment despite intense pressure from VAR.
Another dramatic moment came when Fermin Lopez scored what appeared to be Barcelona’s fifth goal. VAR eventually disallowed the strike for handball earlier in the move, despite many Barca fans insisting the contact was accidental and unavoidable.
The controversy exploded further after released VAR audio reportedly included the phrase “thank goodness,” triggering anger among Barcelona supporters and fresh accusations regarding officiating standards in Spain.
Tense Relationship With Real Madrid
While Barcelona fans have often criticized Hernández Hernández, Real Madrid’s relationship with the referee has also been far from positive.
Madrid-focused media outlets have repeatedly highlighted what they believe is an unusually poor record under his officiating. Reports frequently point to Real Madrid’s win percentage in matches refereed by Hernández Hernández sitting around 54%, a figure some supporters consider suspiciously low for a club of Madrid’s dominance.
The club’s official television channel has also openly criticized several of his performances in the past, particularly following controversial Clasicos and Madrid derby encounters.
As a result, both sets of supporters often enter these fixtures already expecting refereeing drama whenever Hernández Hernández is involved.
Will Pressure Be Lower This Time?
Despite the noise surrounding the appointment, the circumstances of this Clasico may slightly reduce the pressure on the referee.
Barcelona currently hold a commanding lead at the top of the La Liga table, meaning a draw could effectively secure the title with three matches remaining. Unlike previous winner-takes-all Clasicos, this meeting does not carry the same direct title-deciding tension.
That could allow Hernández Hernández to manage the occasion with greater composure and less emotional chaos from the touchline.
Still, in modern football, every major decision in El Clasico is dissected frame by frame. With VAR once again operated by Martínez Munuera, scrutiny will remain intense throughout the night.
Referee Style and Match Expectations
Hernández Hernández is traditionally viewed as a referee who prefers maintaining control through communication rather than constant whistle interruptions. He often allows physical play to continue and usually avoids early cards unless absolutely necessary.
That approach can benefit fast, attacking matches like El Clasico, but it also increases the risk of controversy if physical challenges go unpunished.
Given the attacking quality expected on both sides, alongside the emotional intensity of the rivalry, disciplinary management could become one of the defining factors of the match.
Final Thoughts
Few referees in European football generate stronger reactions before kickoff than Alejandro Hernández Hernández in a Clasico setting.
Barcelona fans remember disputed VAR interventions and controversial handball calls. Real Madrid supporters continue pointing toward historical frustrations and perceived inconsistencies in major moments.
Now, with another league-defining El Clasico approaching, Hernández Hernández once again finds himself directly in the spotlight.
And in modern Spanish football, that almost guarantees drama.