Close-up of a man with a serious expression in front of a background that combines a soccer stadium, the Atlético de Madrid crest, and a black sign with yellow letters that says CTA. — Xabi Alonso has already learned about CTA's plan for the classic | Europa Press, E-Noticies

Camara — Xabi Alonso has already learned about CTA's plan for the classic | Europa Press, E-Noticies

Official CTA announcement for the Metropolitano classic, Xabi Alonso is already prepared

The CTA's decision has already been communicated to both teams days before the classic

25/09/2025 13:15:00h

Miguel Rueda

Spanish soccer will experience its most intense afternoon this very Saturday. Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid will face each other at Metropolitano Stadium in a new and thrilling Madrid classic. The atmosphere promises to be electric, and both teams will give their all to secure three vital points.

Atleti arrives under pressure to win. Simeone's team needs to close the gap with a Real Madrid that sits as the unstoppable leader. To achieve this, they trust Julián Álvarez's inspiration, their main attacking reference in recent matches.

Two players compete for the ball in a match, one in a white uniform and the other in a red and white striped uniform, in a stadium full of spectators.

The classic, as almost always, promises intense emotions | Europa Press

Meanwhile, Real Madrid comes into the classic with full confidence. Xabi Alonso has found the key, and his team exudes security in every line. Los Blancos want to extend their streak and show they're strong contenders for every title.

However, the pre-match focus isn't solely on the sporting aspect. The other main protagonist is the Technical Committee of Referees, which has already made its announcement official. CTA has confirmed who will be responsible for keeping order in this thrilling clash.

CTA is clear: there are already referees for Atleti-Real Madrid

The surprise was huge after the chosen names were revealed. The main referee for the match will be Javier Alberola Rojas. Meanwhile, VAR will be handled by Carlos del Cerro Grande and Valentín Pizarro Gómez, two referees from Madrid.

CTA's appointment hasn't gone unnoticed. It's not common for two referees born in Madrid to manage a classic from the VAR room. That's why the decision has sparked more than a few comments among fans and media.

What has caused the most tension in Real Madrid has been the choice of Javier Alberola Rojas as the main referee. CTA has appointed him for his potential and for the level he has shown in previous matches. However, many Madridists still remember a controversial precedent.

Javier Alberola Rojas worries Xabi Alonso

Next Saturday will be Javier Alberola Rojas's third classic. He already officiated two during the 2023/2024 season, with mixed results. In one of them, Atlético de Madrid won 3-1 in a match full of controversy.

That match was marked by several disputed plays. Real Madrid protested a foul before Álvaro Morata's first goal. They also complained about a disallowed goal by Eduardo Camavinga that would have meant a 2-2 tie and about a possible red card for Giménez.

Despite those complaints, CTA keeps its trust in Javier Alberola Rojas. They believe he has improved and that he's ready for a high-stakes clash. His performance will be closely watched from the first minute.

The Metropolitano clash is set. Simeone and Xabi Alonso are finalizing details while the spotlight also shines on the refereeing team. We'll see if this time the referee goes unnoticed or if he becomes a protagonist again in a match full of tension and history.

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