The Spanish Football Federation announced the appointment of international referee Juan Martinez Munuera to officiate the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, scheduled for Thursday at the Metropolitano Stadium. Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes will be in charge of the video assistant referee (VAR) technology.

This will be the first meeting between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona officiated by Munuera since the 2013/2014 season in the top division. Throughout his career, Munuera has officiated Atlético Madrid's matches 37 times, achieving 22 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses. As for Barcelona, he has officiated 34 matches, resulting in 22 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses.

In the current season, this will be the third time he officiates Atlético matches, following their 2-0 victory over Betis in October and their draw against Real Sociedad in Anoeta in the 18th round. As for Barcelona, it will be the second match he manages this season, after their 3-0 win over Oviedo at Spotify Camp Nou.