AS: El Clásico will use 40 cameras to provide enhanced VAR support

According to AS, following the controversial Real Madrid vs. Sevilla match, attention has turned to the broadcast setup for El Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou. This match will feature 40 cameras, providing enhanced support angles for VAR decisions.

El Clásico commands far greater broadcasting resources than any other LaLiga match, with only the Madrid Derby approaching its scale. This disparity is reflected in the significantly increased television coverage. When Barcelona faces Real Madrid, there are more camera positions and higher-quality footage available for the video assistant referee.

A week prior, the Real Madrid vs. Sevilla match sparked considerable controversy. Sevilla complained that Güler appeared to elbow Peque Fernández but received no penalty. The incident could only be captured by a high-angle panoramic camera, which produced a somewhat blurry image.

Sergio Carranza, the head of TV broadcasting for that match, explained the issue on a radio program: "The ball was at least 30 meters away from the incident. Most of the cameras focused on close-ups and details were directed at another area of the pitch." Carranza noted that in match broadcasts, "the primary objective is always to follow the attacking play with the ball." That match at the Santiago Bernabéu used 26 cameras, a number that will increase significantly for Sunday's match at Spotify Camp Nou.

Under LaLiga broadcasting regulations, El Clásico is classified as an A+ match. When Real Madrid and Barcelona do not play each other, a minimum of 22 cameras are deployed; when the two teams meet, the minimum increases to 39. For this match, 40 cameras have been confirmed. Each fixture is classified by LaLiga as B, A, or A+. As a premier event, El Clásico's audiovisual standards will match those of a UEFA Champions League final, providing comprehensive support for the video assistant referee and main referee.

The match officials have not yet been announced. While referees will have more information available, the video operations room will determine which footage and angles are presented to them, following standard protocol. The broadcast team will provide real-time access to all camera feeds. The main referee and VAR will have more angles, more replays, and specialized cameras to inform their decisions.

Beyond the standard minimum of 22 cameras, this match will include additional main cameras, goal cameras, offside cameras, goal-line cameras, reverse goal cameras, cable-mounted tracking cameras, stabilized backup cameras, panoramic aesthetic cameras, and enhanced high-speed and ultra-slow-motion cameras. Due to ongoing construction at Spotify Camp Nou, the cable camera typically used for overhead shots will not be available; drones will substitute instead.

The expanded broadcasting resources require additional on-site staff, numbering approximately 30 people. The synchronized EVS replay channels will be doubled to provide more replays of key moments in shorter timeframes. The addition of dedicated offside cameras will improve calibration accuracy and reduce instances of player obstruction or camera reference loss, though the latter is already rare. Enhanced ultra-slow-motion cameras are particularly valuable for capturing subtle contact, potential dives, and handball incidents in and around the penalty area.

However, some situations remain beyond the reach of broadcast technology. Carranza stated directly on a radio program: "It is physically impossible to guarantee coverage of all actions that occur away from the ball." Off-ball incidents lacking decisive footage could still occur during this El Clásico, just as they do in World Cup finals, Premier League matches, and Champions League fixtures.