Of course, given everything that has already happened beforehand, tomorrow's Madrid classic is set to be one of the hottest contested in recent seasons. Throughout the week, both Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid have indirectly exchanged messages due to the refereeing controversy. However, the last to give his opinion on this matter has been the president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas, who wants to maintain a standoff with the white team.
For a long time, he has stood up to Florentino Pérez's interests both with the Super League and regarding the referees. It wasn't going to be a different occasion, and he wanted to publicly send a message to those who have criticized the red-and-white team's publications. In fact, Javier Tebas is very clear about who is being the main culprit of the current situation in professional soccer in Spain.
Javier Tebas Aligns with Atlético de Madrid
All fans are aware of the war that has been waged for years between LaLiga and Real Madrid over several very important aspects. The first is the Super League, in which Javier Tebas sided with UEFA in defending national competitions and the Champions League. The second, and more controversial, is the refereeing aspect, in which the Madrid team feels aggrieved and has filed numerous complaints.
In this context, Atlético de Madrid replied ironically on their social media with the publication of different images talking about pressure. "The one who heats up the matches is Real Madrid, from Real Madrid TV they accuse the referees of corruption, saying it's a rigged competition," stated Javier Tebas. No one knows what will happen tomorrow on the field, but it's clear it won't be an easy night for anyone.
A Final for the Leadership
The one in charge of officiating this match will be a Soto Grado who has already been at the helm of some Madrid derbies in recent seasons. He refereed at Santiago Bernabéu the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey two seasons ago where he notably disadvantaged the red-and-white team. In fact, that performance would lead Gil Marín to point out the media power that Real Madrid exerts in intimidating the referees.
In the sporting aspect, Carlo Ancelotti will have a defense plagued by injuries, betting on the pair Asencio and Tchouaméni. Meanwhile, Simeone won't have Robin Le Normand available due to suspension, although he recovers a Pablo Barrios who wasn't present against Getafe. The only doubt will be Rodrigo Riquelme, as he hasn't trained this morning and could be absent from the squad for this clash.