CORNERFLICK
Referee decision due on Saturday
Ramon Fuentes of Mundo Deportivo has named Javier Alberola Rojas as the leading candidate to referee the next El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, although the appointment is still not official.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the final call is set to be made on Saturday. Fuentes said Alberola Rojas currently has the strongest chance of taking charge of one of La Liga's biggest fixtures, but that remains subject to the formal announcement.
Why his name is in the frame
Fuentes pointed to Alberola Rojas's recent schedule as one reason for his possible selection. He did not referee in the previous round of matches and has not handled a Barcelona or Real Madrid game in this season's league campaign.
If he gets the assignment, it would be the first Clásico of Alberola Rojas's career. The match would put every major decision under close scrutiny, especially in the penalty areas and during other tight incidents.