Real Madrid-Atletico: Mateu Lahoz to referee derby

Antonio Mateu Lahoz has been assigned to the capital city derby between Real Madrid and Atlético at the Bernabéu on Sunday 12 December. Carlo Ancelotti’s side host Diego Simeone’s Atlético in what is already a pivotal game in the 2021-22 Liga title race with Los Blancos eight points clear of second-placed Sevilla at the top of the table, 10 points clear and with Barça 16 adrift in seventh.

Ancelotti has been at pains to stress that Madrid have won nothing yet but his side were given a huge boost last weekend when both Atlético and Barça lost on the same day, while Madrid won away at fifth-placed Real Sociedad to present their title credentials.

Ancelotti yet to win a derby with Mateu Lahoz refereeing

Mateu Lahoz is a familiar face for the Italian schemer, who has never won a derby with the Valencian official in the middle. Last season’s Champions League final referee has overseen a total of seven Madrid derbies, three of them with Ancelotti on the Madrid bench with a return of two defeats and a draw in league and Copa action for the current Blancos boss.

In total, Mateu Lahoz has officiated seven Madrid derbies, with a balance of four wins for Real Madrid, two for Atlético and one draw. His first derby was a 2-0 victory for Madrid in 2010 and his most recent was another Real victory by the same score line last season.