Cordero Vega’s Barcelona return revives memories of controversial Las Palmas defeat

The Spanish league refereeing committee has appointed Adrian Cordero Vega to take charge of Barcelona’s meeting with Deportivo Alaves at Camp Nou on Saturday, a return that recalls one of the most contentious matches of his career involving the Catalan club.

The match will be Cordero Vega’s fourth La Liga appearance of the season and the first time he has refereed a fixture involving both Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves. Madrid-based referee Valentin Pizarro Gomez will oversee the video assistant referee (VAR) operation.

Controversial night at Montjuic

Cordero Vega has officiated eight Barcelona matches in La Liga. The club have won six of those games and lost two, according to Mundo Deportivo.

One of those defeats remains particularly memorable for Barcelona supporters. On 30 November 2024, Barcelona were beaten 2-1 by Las Palmas at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in a match dominated by controversy over two penalty appeals that were not awarded.

The first incident involved a challenge on young defender Pau Cubarsi, while the second concerned forward Pau Victor. Both were considered clear penalties by Barcelona, with the decisions becoming the most disputed aspect of Cordero Vega’s record with the club.

Barcelona’s first La Liga match under Cordero Vega also came against Deportivo Alaves. That game was played at Mendizorroza, Alaves’ home ground, and ended in a 2-0 victory for Barcelona.

His most recent Barcelona appointment came on the final matchday of last season, when the Catalan side lost 3-1 to Valencia at Mestalla.

A familiar official for Alaves

Cordero Vega has worked on considerably more matches involving Deportivo Alaves than Barcelona. Saturday’s fixture will be his 21st La Liga match involving the Basque club.

In the previous 20 games he refereed, Alaves recorded eight victories, three draws and nine defeats.

His last match involving Alaves took place in February during the 25th round of last season. Alaves drew 2-2 with Girona at Mendizorroza.

The Barcelona-Deportivo Alaves fixture is listed for 31 October 2026 in La Liga, with Cordero Vega’s appointment placing particular focus on his previous decisions involving both clubs.