Music, focus and family tribute: the preparation behind Sunday’s El Clasico

Juan Martinez Munuera says he will approach Sunday’s El Clasico with calm and focus after being appointed referee for the meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Spanish Football Federation’s Technical Committee of Referees has selected Martinez Munuera to take charge of the La Liga fixture at Spotify Camp Nou, with Javier Iglesias Villanueva appointed as the video assistant referee (VAR).

The match, which will be played on Sunday as part of the 10th round of La Liga, is expected to attract worldwide attention, with the rivalry between the two clubs creating additional scrutiny for the match officials.

Speaking to DAZN, Martinez Munuera said referees recognised both the honour and responsibility involved in being chosen for such a high-profile fixture.

“When you receive an appointment like this, you always feel grateful for the committee’s trust, while also recognising the responsibility you carry, as is always the case,” he said.

“But we all know this match receives a great deal of attention around the world, so we deal with it calmly, just as the teams do. During the week, we focus on the European competitions, and then turn our attention to the weekend matches.”

Martinez Munuera also explained how he manages criticism and the intense discussion surrounding refereeing decisions. He said he deliberately limits his exposure to the surrounding noise and is careful about the information he chooses to consume.

“In general, for some time I have tended to distance myself from what is happening around me and to be very selective about what I read or listen to,” he said.

“The people around me know that they need to filter out a lot of things, because we have to live peacefully and maintain the confidence we have always had.”

The referee also revealed details of the routine he follows with his officiating team before matches. Music has become a regular part of their preparations, alongside a final review of the issues discussed during their morning meeting.

“We have developed our routine, and we play music for every match,” Martinez Munuera said.

“Just before going out on to the pitch, we confirm the points we discussed earlier during the morning meeting. Then we play a very special song for us, as a tribute to what our families have given us.”

His comments come before one of the most closely watched matches of the season. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid will place the officials under significant pressure, with the game set to be followed closely by supporters and the media around the world.