Jesús Gil Manzano, from the Extremadura Referee Committee, will officiate this Sunday’s Supercopa final between Real Madrid and Barcelona. This will be his third final in this tournament, remembered particularly for the 2021 controversy when he showed Lionel Messi his only red card as a Barcelona player during their loss to Athletic Club.

A career marked by controversy

Gil Manzano, 40, has experience in Supercopa finals. His first was in 2016, when Barcelona defeated Sevilla in the first leg, back when the tournament was played over two matches. His second final came in 2021 in Seville, where Athletic Club forced extra time after a 2-2 tie in regular time. During the extra period, the referee sent Messi off with a direct red card for striking a Bilbao player—marking the Argentine’s only expulsion during his time with the Catalan club.

In 2020, also in Jeddah, Gil Manzano officiated the semifinal where Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-1. Additionally, he refereed the decisive 2018 Copa del Rey match in which Barcelona crushed Sevilla 5-0.

An extensive history with both giants

Throughout his career, he has officiated three Clásicos in LaLiga, all won by Real Madrid. His debut came on January 3, 2014, with the Madrid side securing a 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. In 2021, the whites won again 2-1 at home, while their most recent encounter was on October 10, 2023, where Madrid prevailed 2-1 at Camp Nou.

Gil Manzano has officiated 50 matches involving the Madrid team across various competitions, with a record of 39 wins, six draws, and only five losses. Meanwhile, he has refereed Barcelona in 41 games, with 26 wins, seven draws, and eight losses for the Catalans.

Carlo Ancelotti trusts his experience

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Gil Manzano’s experience during a press conference: “He is a good referee, with a lot of experience and used to officiating important matches.”

Gil Manzano, who debuted in Spain’s top flight during the 2012-2013 season at the age of 28, has officiated 243 games in LaLiga. On Saturday, he and his officiating team trained at the facilities near the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, where the final will take place. The VAR will be overseen by Galician referee Javier Iglesias Villanueva, ensuring close scrutiny of critical decisions.