Referee JavierAlberolaRojas, who had been a candidate to preside over the next Clásico, will return to the Anoeta stands to officiate the match between Real Sociedad and Levante that will be held this Sunday. At 35 years old, Alberola has built up an international reputation, with performances in the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and Nations League this year. His presence on the Real Sociedad field is not new: the last match he refereed in Donostia was 3-1 in favor of Celta, with the controversial expulsion of Caleta-Car.
The referee will be assisted in the VAR by GuillermoCuadraFernández from Madrid. Alberola has already recorded a favorable record against Real Sociedad, with eleven wins, three draws and five defeats in the games he has coached. In the last visit to Anoeta, Real won 3-1, although the expulsion of Caleta-Car generated protests. In addition, Alberola has refereed high-level matches between Real and Levante, including a 2-1 in favor of Levante with a penalty goal in the 90th minute, and has seen Real triumph in key moments such as the Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja, the previous year's semi-final at the Bernabéu and the victory at Camp Nou 2022-23 that broke a long drought.
The referee has also been present in other memorable victories for Real at home, such as the 3-0 against Atlético in Anoeta and the 2-2 with Barça, although the only draw without victory that Real has recorded in their stadium under his supervision was a 0-1 against Celta. With the next match, Alberola faces the challenge of maintaining his positive streak in his twentieth match with Real Sociedad.
For Real, Alberola's presence represents an opportunity to continue their success story at home, while Levante look to take advantage of any advantage that may arise from the referee's experience in high-tension matches. The final result of the match and the continuity of Alberola's streak with Real will be closely watched by both teams and their fans.