EL CLÁSICO
Who is César Soto Grado, the referee for the Real Madrid - Barcelona Clásico?
The 43-year-old from Avila is set to take charge of his first ever Cláscio on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid face Barça game.
The Spanish FA has appointed César Soto Grado as the match official for the key game in matchday 32 of the 2023-34 LaLiga EA Sports season. This will be the 43-year-olds first time overseeing El Cásico as Barça visit the Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m (ET).
Despite being born in Avila, Soto Grado represents the La Rioja branch of match officials and has been overseeing top flight games in Spain since 2019.
This will be his third game in charge of Real Madrid this season with Soto Grado in charge of the game in Las Palmas where Los Blancos ran out 1-2 winners. He also oversaw the draw against Betis in Seville and the 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu.
The official has taken charge of two Barça games in the current season with both matches ending in draws for Xavi’s men in trips to Getafe and Granada.
This season Soto Grado has been in charge for two UEFA qualifying round games for both the Champions and Conference Leagues and was entrusted with four matches in the Copa del Rey. The official was also drafted in by the Saudi Pro League to oversee Al Ittihad’s clash against Al Taawoun and was also in Riyadh for the Spanish Super Cup where he acted as VAR official.