The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on Monday the refereeing team for a new edition of the Avellaneda Classic between Independiente and Racing, valid for matchday 13 of the 2026 Apertura Tournament. According to the Argentine News Agency, Leandro Rey Hilfer will be the main referee in charge of the match. The VAR team will consist of Germán Delfino, and the AVAR will be Diego Romero. Additionally, the assistant referees will be Juan Pablo Belatti and Juan Mamani, while the fourth official will be Nicolás Lamolina. Rey Hilfer has officiated Independiente 13 times, with the 'Reds' winning 4, drawing 6, and losing 3. On the other hand, he has refereed 10 matches involving Racing, where the 'Academy' won 4, drew 3, and lost 3. The last time he directed Gustavo Costas's team was in Matchday 6 of this Apertura when Racing drew 0-0 with Boca at La Bombonera stadium. This was the second match in which he refereed Racing in this championship after the 2-1 defeat in their debut against Gimnasia La Plata. The last time he directed Independiente was on August 17 of last year, when the 'Reds' lost 2-1 to Vélez at the José Amalfitani stadium for Matchday 5 of the Clausura Tournament.
