Spanish referee Alejandro Hernández officiates Netherlands‑Germany at Johan Cruijff Arena

The lights in the Johan Cruijff ArenA dim slowly as the crowd gathers for a classic: the Netherlands against Germany. The match, which starts Thursday evening at 20:45, is overseen by the Spanish referee Alejandro Hernández, who normally works in LaLiga.

Official appointment and communication advantage

UEFA has confirmed that Hernández will take charge of the fixture, a fact that provides a practical advantage for Dutch national team coach Xavi Hernández. Both men were born in Spain, meaning the on‑field communication during the match is expected to run smoothly.

The assistants and the full VAR team are also of Spanish origin, highlighting the consistency of the officiating. Hernández is known for his strict enforcement of the rules in the top Spanish competition. The first confrontation with Germany is followed by meetings with Serbia, both home and away, and an away match in Greece.

Similarly, Germany begins a new chapter under national team coach Jürgen Klopp, who takes charge of Die Mannschaft. The duel with the Netherlands forms the first step in their Nations League campaign.

The kickoff at 20:45 in the Johan Cruijff ArenA promises to be an exciting evening, with two great football cultures meeting under the watchful eye of an experienced Spanish referee.