The controversial referee enforced the El Clasico! Last year, he ignored the unresolved case of Lu Ning s goal line and helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-2.

On the evening of October 25, the Spanish Football Association's Arbitration Committee announced the referee team for the "El Clasico". The 45-year-old Soto served as the referee, and the VAR was Javier Iglesias.

This is the second time Soto has officiated the Clasico in his career. The last time he officiated the Clasico was in April 2024, when Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3-2.

In that controversial game, Soto first penalized Kubasi for a foul in tripping Vazquez in the 18th minute, and awarded Real Madrid a penalty kick that Vinicius took. Then in the 28th minute, he made another penalty in favor of Real Madrid. At that time, Yamal's goal was fished out by Real Madrid goalkeeper Lunin on the goal line. VAR intervened for a long time and determined that there was no goal.

Although Barcelona once relied on Fermin's goal to take the lead again in the 69th minute. But in the end, Real Madrid, who escaped the disaster, was tied by Vazquez in the 73rd minute, and in stoppage time, relying on Bellingham's buzzer-beater, they won 3-2. That was also the last time Real Madrid defeated Barcelona in an official match.

Statistics show that Soto has officiated Real Madrid games 22 times, and Real Madrid has 14 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses; he has officiated Barcelona games 14 times, and Barcelona has 6 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. Judging from past law enforcement data, Soto's appointment as referee is obviously beneficial to Real Madrid.

Currently, after 9 rounds of La Liga, Real Madrid leads the standings with a 2-point advantage over Barcelona. However, in the 4 games last season, Real Madrid suffered "four consecutive kills" from Barcelona, ​​which directly led to a failed season.