Martinez Munuera reveals how he is preparing for Sunday’s El Clasico

Juan Martinez Munuera says he will approach Sunday’s El Clasico with the same calm and discipline as any other match, despite the worldwide attention surrounding his appointment to referee Barcelona against Real Madrid.

The Spanish Football Federation’s Technical Committee of Referees has selected Martinez Munuera to take charge of the meeting at Spotify Camp Nou, with Javier Iglesias Villanueva appointed as the video assistant referee (VAR). The match will be played on Sunday as part of the 10th round of the Spanish league.

The fixture attracts intense scrutiny not only because of the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but also because every major refereeing decision is watched by millions around the world.

Speaking to DAZN, Martinez Munuera said the appointment brought both appreciation and a clear sense of responsibility.

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

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

The referee also explained how he manages criticism and the debate that surrounds refereeing, saying he deliberately limits his exposure to the noise generated in the media.

“In general, for a long time I have tended to isolate myself from what is happening around me and to be extremely selective about what I read or listen to,” Martinez Munuera 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 become accustomed to.”

Martinez Munuera also described the routine followed by him and his officiating team before matches. Music, he said, has become a regular part of their preparations, alongside a final review of the issues discussed during their morning meeting.

“We have developed our own routine, and we play music for every match,” he said. “Immediately before going out on to the pitch, we confirm the points we discussed earlier during the morning meeting.

“Then we play a song that is very special to us, in appreciation of 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 places additional pressure on the refereeing team, who will be required to manage the contest under intense scrutiny from supporters and the media.