The Technical Committee of Referees has announced that Alejandro Hernández Hernández will be officiating the match between Celta and Athletic Club at Balaídos tomorrow at 16:15. Hernández, a Canarian referee who has been in the same category as Celta for the past 19 seasons, has refereed the Vigo-based team on 40 occasions, a number only exceeded by Barcelona with 41, which he will equal tomorrow.
In these 40 encounters, Celta has achieved 15 wins, 15 losses, and 10 draws under Hernández's officiating. The team's average points per match with him is 1.5. These are respectable statistics for a referee who oversaw the Osasuna – Celta match this season, resulting in a Celta victory. However, it is essential to note that Hernández was in the VAR booth during the biggest refereeing scandal involving video technology in the Copa del Rey tie against Real Madrid last season.
Athletic Club has been officiated by Hernández in 28 matches, with a positive record of 12 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses, also resulting in an average of 1.5 points per game. Only once has Hernández officiated a game between Celta and Athletic Club back in the 2021-22 season when Celta visited San Mamés and emerged victorious with a 0-2 win, with goals from Iago Aspas and Fran Beltrán.
The importance of the upcoming match at Balaídos cannot be underestimated despite not garnering the same media attention as Athletic's recent games against top teams. Valverde's squad needs to demonstrate, both to themselves and others, that their recent matches against the likes of Atlético Madrid, PSG, and Real Madrid were not flukes.
Valverde's selection of players for this fixture is remarkable, indicating a different outlook for the team. With the return of players like Iñaki Williams, the gradual comeback of players like Berenguer and Sancet, and the presence of Nico Williams, Athletic Club is beginning to resemble the team of recent seasons, at least in terms of personnel. However, the performance on the field is what truly matters, with surnames carrying little significance on the pitch.
It is crucial to acknowledge the Celta side led by Claudio Giráldez, a homegrown coach who trusts in the club's youth system. While Celta has yet to secure a victory at Balaídos in the league, they recently held their ground against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Both teams will enter the match with determination, acknowledging that overconfidence has no place in this encounter.
As both teams prepare to face each other, the fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting and competitive match at Balaídos. With the referee appointments providing an interesting backdrop to the game, all eyes will be on the players and coaches to see how they perform on the field and if they can secure the much-needed points in this crucial fixture.
