Real Madrid Receives Referee Briefing Ahead of Sociedad Clash

Real Madrid will play their second match of the season this evening, hosting Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking the team's first appearance at home in the new campaign.

According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," the match will be officiated by international referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer, amid scrutiny over the performance of the officiating crew, especially after the controversy surrounding José María Sánchez Martínez's refereeing in Real Madrid's first match against Espanyol.

Jose Mourinho has sent a reconciliatory message to the refereeing system, but all eyes will remain on the performance of the officials during the clash against Real Sociedad.

This comes in a season marked by numerous changes to football regulations, and Real Madrid players along with the coaching staff led by Mourinho are now aware of them before the competitions kick off.

According to "Mundo Deportivo," Real Madrid has already received the usual referee visit during the pre-season preparations at the Valdebebas training complex, where Madrid referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias delivered a lecture to the team players.

The seminar included several amendments, most notably the rules regarding time-wasting during substitutions, and the counting of one minute off the pitch for a player who leaves to receive treatment, alongside new scenarios for the Video Assistant Referee technology.

Real Madrid players have become acquainted with what is known as the Vinicius Law, which was enacted by FIFA last March following the incident involving Brextiani, with its application differing in Spain compared to the World Cup.

In Spain, covering the mouth with the hand will not result in a red card as it did in the World Cup. Instead, a yellow card will be issued if the incident is detected by VAR, ensuring Real Madrid players are fully aware of the new rules before the season resumes.