This season Champions League's league stage continues in January, here the referees appointed for the first set of MD7, scheduled for Tuesday 21 January 2025.
18:45 CET - Bergamo (Gewiss Stadium)
ATALANTA BC (ITA) - SK STURM GRAZ (AUT)
Referee: Donatas Rumšas LTU
Assistant Referee 1: Aleksandr Radiuš LTU
Assistant Referee 2: Dovydas Sužiedėlis LTU
Fourth Official: Robertas Šmitas LTU
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Jan W. Wegereef NED
UEFA Delegate: Mark Evans WAL
18:45 CET - Monaco (Stade Louis II)
AS MONACO (FRA) - ASTON VILLA FC (ENG)
Referee: Slavko Vinčić SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič SVN
Fourth Official: Rade Obrenovič SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Alen Borošak SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dragoslav Perič SVN
UEFA Referee Observer:Lutz Michael Fröhlich GER
UEFA Delegate: Hristo Zapryanov BUL
AS MONACO (FRA) - ASTON VILLA FC (ENG)
Referee: Slavko Vinčić SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič SVN
Fourth Official: Rade Obrenovič SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Alen Borošak SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dragoslav Perič SVN
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Hristo Zapryanov BUL
21:00 CET - Bratislava (Národný futbalový štadión)
ŠK SLOVAN BRATISLAVA (SVK) - VFB STUTTGART (GER)
Referee: Christopher Kavanagh ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Betts ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Neil Davies ENG
Fourth Official: Darren England ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Frédéric Veraghaenne BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Betts ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Neil Davies ENG
Fourth Official: Darren England ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Frédéric Veraghaenne BEL
21:00 CET - Bruges (Jan Breydelstadion)
CLUB BRUGGE (BEL) - JUVENTUS (ITA)
Referee: Benoît Bastien FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Thomas Leonard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Borja Bilbao ESP
CLUB BRUGGE (BEL) - JUVENTUS (ITA)
Referee: Benoît Bastien FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Thomas Leonard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Borja Bilbao ESP
21:00 CET - Madrid (Estadio Metropolitano)
CLUB ATLÉTICO DE MADRID (ESP) - BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN (GER)
Referee: Davide Massa ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Stefano Alassio ITA
Fourth Official: Michael Fabbri ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Terje Hauge NOR
UEFA Delegate: Andy Ambler ENG
CLUB ATLÉTICO DE MADRID (ESP) - BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN (GER)
Referee: Davide Massa ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Stefano Alassio ITA
Fourth Official: Michael Fabbri ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Terje Hauge NOR
UEFA Delegate: Andy Ambler ENG
21:00 CET - Lisbon (Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica)
SL BENFICA (POR) - BARCELONA FC (ESP)
Referee: Danny Makkelie NED
Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries NED
Fourth Official: Allard Lindhout NED
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Costas Kapitanis CYP
UEFA Delegate: Aristeidis Stavropoulos GRE
Referee: Danny Makkelie NED
Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries NED
Fourth Official: Allard Lindhout NED
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Costas Kapitanis CYP
UEFA Delegate: Aristeidis Stavropoulos GRE
21:00 CET - Liverpool (Anfield)
LIVERPOOL FC (ENG) - LOSC LILLE (FRA)
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Robert Kempter GER
Assistant Referee 2: Christian Dietz GER
Fourth Official: Florian Badstübner GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Luis Medina Cantalejo ESP
UEFA Delegate: Karl Espen Eriksen NOR
LIVERPOOL FC (ENG) - LOSC LILLE (FRA)
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Robert Kempter GER
Assistant Referee 2: Christian Dietz GER
Fourth Official: Florian Badstübner GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Luis Medina Cantalejo ESP
UEFA Delegate: Karl Espen Eriksen NOR
21:00 CET - Bologna (Stadio Renato Dall'Ara)
BOLOGNA FC 1909 (ITA) - BORUSSIA DORTMUND (GER)
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük NED
Assistant Referee 1: Erwin E. J. Zeinstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Patrick Inia NED
Fourth Official: Jeroen Manschot NED
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Lucílio Cardoso Cortez Batista POR
UEFA Delegate: Aurel Ionescu ROU
BOLOGNA FC 1909 (ITA) - BORUSSIA DORTMUND (GER)
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük NED
Assistant Referee 1: Erwin E. J. Zeinstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Patrick Inia NED
Fourth Official: Jeroen Manschot NED
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Lucílio Cardoso Cortez Batista POR
UEFA Delegate: Aurel Ionescu ROU
21:00 CET - Belgrade (Stadion Rajko Mitić)
FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) - PSV (NED)
Referee: István Kovács ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marica ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi ROU
Fourth Official: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Popa ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sebastian Colţescu ROU
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Irakli Nakaidze GEO
FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) - PSV (NED)
Referee: István Kovács ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marica ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi ROU
Fourth Official: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Popa ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sebastian Colţescu ROU
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Irakli Nakaidze GEO
First remark is about VARs, almost all teams from the same nationality of referees, unless Rumsas and partly Gozubuyuk games. This should mean they will be on site, not using Nyon VAR room for the last two matchdays. We will have confirmation tomorrow, in case.
ReplyDeleteSaid that, we have a debut and finally a different English referee is appointed. It has been a long time since the last assignment that was not involving either Taylor or Oliver. I think it was Craig Pawson on December 2018. Surely the time to allow another name in the competition and I think this can be also reason. We can remember Kavanagh as final referee of Youth League in 2020, at that time, there was surely more focus and expectations on him, but then nothing followed. We will see how far Kavanagh can go in future.
To follow, I find interesting the assignment in Monaco, with Obrenovic fourth official back to the Principality. A wise move by committee (Sajin?) to present a better picture of Slovenian refereeing? And of course, to me they sent Vincic to Monaco exactly for that, after the poor display by his countryman in the famous game against Benfica. It was also reported Monaco wrote a letter to UEFA.
The game is very important for English side as well, they are expected to qualify.
For Makkelie a classic CL game in Lisbon, and in my opinion if you analyze all his assignment so far, you find a path.
Gozubuyuk back in CL after a certain time and he will be in Bologna, game important for the German side.
Kovacs in a rather "minor" game after the controversial performance in the big match Bayern - PSG, a signal that committee wants him to keep motivations. Definitely no need of such an assignment, otherwise.
As for Makkelie in Lisbon, similar pahth for Zwayer with a better one now in Liverpool, game important for qualification. Lille can be in the early eight teams.
Hot and challenging for Massa in Madrid, for sure. Spanish side will try everything against a more "composed" German side, that is in a vey good position. Big game between two clubs from major federations. This means he is very trusted now, and with Guida out for injury at moment, the ranking seems to have changed again for Italy, but we will see...
Normal game for Rumsas in Bergamo, Atalanta win is expected, while the one in Bruges for Bastien is definitely more than what reading the pairing could just suggest. One can still think that Juventus will be favorite side, but Belgian team is there, and they can have their say at home. A one to be watched, overall, surely the French third Elite referee has regained some trust by committee, as we observed him in recent times. In past, Frappart was also considered in some cases ahaead of him, but now no focus anymore by committee on her and more generally, it seems there is no need ot focus on women in men's games like it was in past
While I agree with you on Makkelie being on a good path in UEFA competitions this season with some good games (Liverpool - Leverkusen and now the potentially hot Benfica - Barcelona), I am simply not creative enough to see a good path in Zwayer‘s appointments. I mean he didn’t get a single good game but instead had to officiate games like Gibraltar - San Marino… (and I think the Liverpool - Lille he got now is not that interesting either because both teams are certainly qualified for reaching the next phase already).
DeleteIf you guys disagree please open my eyes because I would love to see him being on a good path internationally since I‘m from Germany…
Any Eng/Fra game is at the top end of any match day. Lille are currently 8th and win over 2 match days gives them the bye into Ro16 - plus if they are hoping to go deep into the competition they are going to need to get results at places like Liverpool.
DeleteFor the home team finishing 1st or 2nd guarantees easier draw and home advantage in 2nd legs
@jojo
DeleteI think a good path means that Zwayer gets good games, but not too “risky” or sacrificial ones based on the standings. In all honesty, I can’t really explain the San Marino game though. That was an odd one, a game where a referee can’t win, just lose.
I am Netherlands based and Zwayer is one of the referees that I would easily predict in one of the UEFA finals this season. The main question is: which one? I’m not blown away by his form or whatsoever — Milan-Bruges and Serbia-Denmark were far from flawless (teamwork needs fine-tuning) but he didn’t pay a price for that and that tells us something about the plans that UEFA has with Zwayer. He seems the clear German #1. Add other factors like age, a strong political background and he will probably attend the FIFA WC for clubs 2025 and WC 2026 and thus he “needs” a UEFA final prior to that experience. That is also how politics work.
There is no doubt that the game in Madrid on Tuesday will be challenging for Massa. Not because ATM is on a considerable winning streak, but because this team changes the way it plays when facing opponents who attack with more intensity and technique: they retreat, use the infamous catimba to try to stop the opponent and rely on few counterattacks to win the game, especially when dealing with a lethal team like Leverkusen. Let's see how the Italian referee fares.
DeleteNew AR2 for Gozubuyuk? Inia replaced for Balder. Balder who is now a AR2 for Lindhout in the two previous games.
ReplyDeleteOrsato took part in a TV show in Italy where he also talked about his new role. I found some of his statements very interesting when he was asked if he was disappointed of having officiate only the 2020 Champions League final behind closed doors, but not World Cup and/or the EURO finals. He replied no and he added, that he was happy just to have had the opportunity. He looked to be honest to me. Of course, the disappointment was great, but he revealed some aspects that are worthy of note: he said that both in the case of the World Cup in Qatar first, and in the case of EURO 2024, his participation was not a given, and both Collina and Rosetti had apparently expressed some reservations before (he should have been there at 47 years old first and 49 respectively), he should have been aware to have to compete with physically younger referees, not comparable to his form. I think that indirectly, on the basis of these statements, we can already have some answers as to why he didn't get the final acts (but obviously these are deductions on my part and nothing else).
ReplyDeleteOfr to Makkelie... and penalty to Barcelona
ReplyDeleteSeems like Gözübüyük brought himself in a bit of trouble by giving a soft penalty to Dortmund. Bologna players got furious when he didn't whistle a similar incident a few mins later. The first situation was more of a penalty than the second one, so supportable decisions for me, but will be interesting to see if he gets the game to calm down.
ReplyDeleteIf you look for “inconsistency” on any dictionary, you will find Gözübüyük as a synonym
ReplyDeleteVery clear red card for SFP by Massa after OFR, very swift process by Di Paolo who deserves some praise as well
ReplyDeleteAnother penalty of Makkelie, Benfica this time...
ReplyDeleteWrong penalty for Benfica IMO.
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/UNIVERSO_1899/status/1881802650729291835?t=Aq47HhNERnnWoXBTVEB3dA&s=19
DeleteI agree with you... From the replay it seems the Barcelona keeper didn't touch the player
DeleteAnd the oscar goes to....
DeleteThere is contact feet to feet
DeleteThere is clear contact on the left leg of the attacker, very clear penalty imo
DeleteLeft foot rather*
DeleteIt's not a contact to fly like that
DeleteNo doubt whatsoever, a clear knee on foot contact and without jumping the attacker would have been lunged over. Maybe some exaggeration, but still a crystal clear penalty in my book.
DeleteIt would have been surprising to see Massa showing a direct red card with easyness in a so hot and important CL game, knowing his style.
ReplyDeleteHe has a certain mindset.
Excellent intervention by Di Paolo, indeed.
Video:
https://streamff.com/v/b6ac128c
Disastrous penalties decisions
ReplyDeleteMassa isn’t up to this game. Just throwing cards around for the sake of it. It’s not even been that difficult considering it’s Atleti
ReplyDeleteI was very curious to see Massa in this match.
DeleteI have known him very well for years now, and this has always been his weak point: giving the idea of not wanting to face certain matches in a certain way, but always setting himself up the same way every time.
I don't think he would have given the red card in the first half on the pitch even if it had been a more obvious situation, and I also want to admit the difficulty of seeing the incident live.
I have never liked him in this regard, he has often given the impression of not being very interested in going, let's say, "into the battle", he prefers to referee by getting to the end of matches like this without controversy. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. On the contrary, Guida has this skill, but he has quite often very blatant technical blunders.
How did kavanagh do today
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen much of the match, but not a difficult one. The only thing was an overturned incorrect offside decision in 37' by VAR (no OFR, factual decision)... Otherwise I don't think there will be any controversial talking points or anything like that.
DeleteHere the allowed goal after VAR intervention:
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/c3c06b
Definitely not easy for assistant on the first pass, in doubt better no flag, but you can easily make mistake here.
Not a fan of Kavanagh body language while making VAR gesture and allowing the goal, a little more verve would be necessary. Typical English :)
Kovacs with a very doubtful RC
ReplyDeleteRC for DOGSO in Belgrade. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteIMO YC would have been a better decision, but I can understand VAR didn't call Kovacs for OFR.
I think it's a borderline situation, both is possible. YC might be the better decision but especially after RC given on-field it's definitely not wrong
DeleteIf it is a foul, then it must be RC for DOGSO.
DeleteTo be honest, I'm very surprised that there is debate about DOGSO/SPA.
The only thing that can be debatable is whether this contact is enough for a foul. In my opinion, yes, because when tripping, we don't have to have too much intensity.
PS AR1 was involved in the decision.
Is the ball being played before contact? If so, can he still get to the ball and get a good angle to shoot?
DeleteI think that's the points of discussion. My first impression was also DOGSO.
DrMr well, I'm surprised there's anyone on this blog who doesn't think it's debatable. Probably no chance to reach the ball, even though it was the last defender. RC, as well as YC would be correctly supported by VAR, with YC being the preferred option IMO.
DeleteMinute 59‘ Correct 2nd yc to LIL#2 for SPA
ReplyDeleteFirst one was for dissent in Minute 34‘ (missed live by broadcaster)
In Liverpool - Lille with Zwayer
DeleteI will never understand the ridiculous yellow cards for dissent, a chat and that's it, if it continues the dissent ok
DeleteSimeone starts with his show. Fourth official very busy. How long will he last?
ReplyDeleteI kinda get that tbh, Wirtz was lucky and has to be very careful now
DeleteThe truth is that Simeone has always been an idiot, arrogant and troublemaker since his playing days. Proof of this is in relation to Beckham's expulsion in the 1998 World Cup in the Argentina vs. England match when the great Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen fell for the trick created by the Argentine. This applies to today: if the referees do not enter with blood in their eyes in the disciplinary aspect and strictness in these matches involving ATM, Simeone will incite the fans against those who referee and against the opponents too.
DeleteControversy in Madrid after no 2YC for SPA was given to Wirtz. I think YC was preferable because of the cynicism from Wirtz but no YC is probably supportable
ReplyDeleteCrazy protests from almost all players and staff which should have seen Diego Simeone booked or maybe even sent off followed.
Delete71. in LIV VS LIL
ReplyDeleteBorderline Rc, but at least mandatory Yc for LIL#18 missed by Zwayer after a ridiculous and dangerous tackle on LIV#10.
Never RC IMO because Ball was clearly played first and not a full contact but indeed missed yc
DeleteProbably you’re right, but speed and height of the leg makes it borderline to me.
DeleteSpeed and intensity can give us small clues about a possible RC, but for me YC looking at how the challenge ended.
DeleteVideo:
https://streambug.org/cv/c21d50
The second YC earlier in second half (59') is a correct decision.
Does anyone have a replay of the penalty on Yamal? Looked rather soft at the first glance.
ReplyDeletewhat a joke
DeleteI had neither watches Atletico or Massa in the last 2 years, simply wow.
ReplyDelete-Leverkusen players were quite literally scared to engage anything
-Added time in both halfs was about 2 respectively 3 minutes too small
-Hincapie 1YC was a simple dive by Atletico
-Wirtz very lucky to escape a 2YC
-Simeone should have been sent off for his reaction
-De Paul has provoked the whole 90mins, it wasnt even noticed by Massa
-Massa often simply refused to take a decision
Quite a shocker from Massa. For my personal opinion he should be suspended, but I know UEFA doesnt really do that for performance. And if Atletico plays like that, I can only really see 3-4 referees handeling them.
Indeed some chaotic final minutes in Lisbon, however I’m not sure if the referee could have 'managed' the final minutes differently:
ReplyDelete- +4 minutes of added time.
- 93:38: Free kick whistled to Benfica. Reckless tackle where BAR #21 plays the ball, but also takes his opponent with him and interrupts a fast Benfica attack.
- Benfica took their time to take the free kick, almost all players forward in Barca’s box, thinking the game is almost over.
- 94:44: Free kick taken.
- 94:55: Potential penalty to Benfica for a light push in the back (dramatic fall by the attacker). I don't think many refs would whistle it in the dying seconds and certainly no VAR stuff.
- 95:09: Winning goal Barcelona. Impossible to interrupt this fast Barca attack and blow the final whistle. So, the only thing Makkelie could have done managed differently is to turn a blind eye to the tackle in +93, award a throw-in and then end the game. Once the free kick was awarded, the chaos was inevitable. But with hindsight, its always easy to say such things, not knowing what would have happened instead.
Good analysis! I personally praise Makkelie for his style of refereeing. He isn't ignoring offences in final seconds just to get the game over. That is what I want to see from a top class referee...
DeleteI think a very good analysis by Ref00, one can add that there was also a substitution during added time that on paper should have extended it to 95:30. So, definitely the timing of the goal can't be questioned, and I think correct by VAR not to intervene in the possible penalty before. Hard to manage it in a different way, maybe impossible.
DeleteOn the topic of added time management in Lisbon even Liverpool manager Arne Slot spent some words.
Deletehttps://www.news18.com/football/lets-start-with-compliment-for-the-referee-liverpool-boss-arne-slot-praises-danny-makkelie-9197508.html
Arne Slot has always been respectful towards referees. Some coaches and club presidents should take notes :)
Delete@Cassius: I thought about Vincic, who perhaps would ignore the tackle and award a throw in. It could be smart management, but it doesn't look credible. Orsato probably would have added +3 minutes and blow the final whistle at 92:50. :D
I don't blame Makkelie for the final minute. It is unlucky in a game with a crazy scoreline. Having said that, he should have seen the 1st penalty without use of VAR. I’m sure he will be disappointed about that one, in a good season so far.
@ref00 I thought about Vincic too 😉
DeleteThe DOGSO RC in Belgrade has led to a lot criticism from PSV players and local media. It was an unexpected decision for all players on the pitch.
ReplyDeleteFor me, a 100% foul (tripping). However, I had more doubt whether it is a clear scoring opportunity. Not sure if the attacker (without the foul) would be able to reach the ball before the goalkeeper, given the speed of the ball. Kovács can be relieved that PSV won the game. Now an opportunity arised to see a debut in PSV-Liverpool. Perhaps Sozza (or in Bayern-Bratislava). The #2 Polish referee another option?
Video:
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/36061e
In my opinion OK by VAR to support, one can think that without foul player would have reached ball, but it's not 100% clear DOGSO and YC would have been confirmed by VAR as well. Not a mistake in all cases.
Olympiakos - Panathinaikos
ReplyDeleteReferee: Slavko Vinčić
AR1: Andraž Kovačić
AR2: Tomaž Klančnik
4th: Vasileios Fotias
VAR: Alen Borošak
AVAR: Ioannis Papadopoulos
Well, I need to said that performance of Danny Makkellie was extremley good, first penalty hard to spot live but there is VAR. Anyway, I expect him in CL final. One more candidate is Taylor this year. But, I think that Makkelie can do it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWell, I think that they would like to avoid Kassai scenario with Letexier, so he can be part of Europa League/Conference League final this year. Same for Zwayer, yes there is hidden path but performances of Makkelie or Taylor are far better. So, Makkelie or Taylor I would said
Delete