Favorite for Betis or Atlético?

Soto Grado, the Judge of the Duel: Favorite for Betis or Atlético?

The referee from La Rioja will direct the last big match of the quarter-finals at the Estadio de la Cartuja, with revealing statistics for both contenders.

The expectation is palpable in the atmosphere. The Estadio de la Cartuja will be the scene of a clash of titans between Real Betis and Atlético de Madrid, a quarter-final tie that promises strong emotions. To add one more ingredient to the already intense preview, the name of the referee who will dispense justice has been revealed: the Riojan César Soto Grado.

This appointment is still curious. For Betis, it will be the first time that Soto Grado referees them this season. A blank canvas, a page to be written in both of their histories. The luck, or skill, of the referee will dictate the decision in this first direct match.

However, for Atlético de Madrid, the figure of Soto Grado is much more familiar. This will be his fourth game directing the colchoneros so far this campaign. And the statistics speak for themselves: on the three previous occasions, the red and white team has not known defeat. A lucky charm, perhaps, for Simeone's men.

The first meeting of the season with Soto Grado was a 1-1 draw at home against Elche, back on the second day. Later, he repeated the experience in an away duel in Balaídos, where Celta also achieved a 1-1 draw. The last time the Riojan was in charge of Atlético was on matchday sixteen, a match that ended with a 2-1 red and white victory against Valencia at Mestalla.

If we broaden our view of Soto Grado's entire career with Atlético de Madrid, the balance tilts significantly in favor of the Madrid team. On a total of **19 occasions** he has led the red and white team, achieving **12 victories**, **six draws** and only **one defeat**. An impressive background that invites optimism in the athletic ranks.

Curiously, that only defeat dates back to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey Mapfre of the 2022-2023 season. It was a match played at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid beat Atlético 3-1. A bittersweet memory that, without a doubt, the referee will keep in mind.

For its part, Betis faces a rival on the field of play and a referee with a more adverse history. Soto Grado has whistled for the green and white on **14 occasions**, with a balance of **three wins**, **six draws** and **five losses**. The last time he led the Beticos was on matchday 28 of last season, in a 2-3 victory against Leganés.

Meanwhile, in the VAR room, the responsibility will fall to Juan Luis Pulido Santana. A name that also generates expectation and that, together with Soto Grado, will have the difficult task of guaranteeing sportsmanship and fair play in a match of maximum tension.

The duel between Betis and Atlético de Madrid promises to be a tactical and emotional battle. Soto Grado's statistics add an interesting nuance to the previous one, but in football, as we well know, anything can happen. The die is cast, and only time will tell if the Rioja referee becomes a silent protagonist or a decisive factor in this exciting match.

Which team will best adapt to Soto Grado's style? Will it be Atlético's positive inertia with the referee, or will Betis manage to break the statistic? The answer, tomorrow, on the lawn of the Cartuja Stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the main referee of the match between Betis and Atlético de Madrid?
  The main referee will be César Soto Grado.
• How many times has Soto Grado whistled for Atlético de Madrid this season?
  He has whistled for Atlético de Madrid on **three** occasions this season.
• What is Atlético de Madrid's balance with Soto Grado this season?
  Atlético de Madrid have not lost on the three occasions that Soto Grado has refereed them this season.
• How many times has Soto Grado whistled for Betis in his career?
  He has whistled at Betis on **14** occasions.
• What is the general balance of Betis with Soto Grado?
  Betis has a balance of **three** victories, **six** draws and **five** defeats with Soto Grado.
• Who will be on the VAR?
  Juan Luis Pulido Santana will be on the VAR.
• What was Atlético de Madrid's only defeat with Soto Grado in the Cup quarterfinals?
  It was against Real Madrid 3-1 in the 2022-2023 season.
• How many times has Soto Grado whistled for Atlético de Madrid in total?
  On **19** occasions.
• When was the last time Soto Grado whistled for Betis?
  On matchday 28 of last season, in a victory against Leganés.
• Where will the match be played?
  In the Cartuja Stadium.

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