Hernández Hernández will be the first referee to officiate a Real Madrid match in 2026. The Canary Islands official has been appointed for this Sunday’s clash against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu (4:15 p.m.), corresponding to La Liga matchday 18, just days before Los Blancos travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.

The 43-year-old referee has not overseen a Real Madrid game so far this season. His last appearance in a match involving the Whites dates back to May 11, 2025, during the final Clásico of last season at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, a dramatic 4–3 Barcelona victory that sealed the league title for the Catalans.

This campaign, Hernández Hernández has officiated 14 matches across all competitions: eight in La Liga, two in the Champions League, two in European competition qualifiers, and two in the Copa del Rey.

On Sunday, Hernández Hernández will take charge on the pitch, while Pulido Santana will oversee VAR duties. The latter, now retired from on-field refereeing, was assigned exclusively to VAR after being demoted to the Second Division by the former CTA following a series of controversial performances last season. The Betis fixture could also be decisive for Hernández Hernández as he seeks a place among the referees selected for next week’s Spanish Super Cup.

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