The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League 2026 Quarter-finals second leg between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to deliver top-tier football drama, and the match officials appointed for this crucial fixture reflect the importance of the occasion. UEFA has selected an experienced Italian officiating team led by Maurizio Mariani to oversee the game, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and control at the highest level of European competition.
Official Match Referee
Taking charge as the main referee is Maurizio Mariani (Italy). Known for his calm demeanor and precise decision-making, Mariani has officiated several high-profile Serie A and UEFA matches. His experience in handling intense fixtures makes him a reliable choice for a clash of this magnitude. With Liverpool and PSG both known for their attacking style and fast-paced gameplay, Mariani’s ability to maintain control will be key to the flow of the match.
Assistant Referees
Supporting Mariani on the sidelines are:
- Daniele Bindoni (Italy) – Assistant Referee 1
- Alberto Tegoni (Italy) – Assistant Referee 2
Both assistants bring extensive experience from domestic and international competitions. Their primary role will be to monitor offside decisions, fouls near the touchline, and assist the referee in maintaining accuracy throughout the match.
Fourth Official
- Matteo Marchetti (Italy)
The fourth official plays a crucial role in managing the technical areas, substitutions, and ensuring discipline among coaching staff and substitutes. Marchetti’s presence adds another layer of professionalism and control to the officiating team.
VAR and AVAR Officials
With modern football relying heavily on technology, the Video Assistant Referee system will be handled by:
- VAR: Marco Di Bello (Italy)
- AVAR: Aleandro Di Paolo (Italy)
VAR will be responsible for reviewing critical match incidents such as goals, penalties, red card situations, and cases of mistaken identity. Marco Di Bello’s expertise ensures that crucial decisions will be carefully analyzed to maintain fairness.
Referee Observer
- Bernardino González Vázquez (Spain)
The referee observer monitors the performance of the officiating team, providing feedback and ensuring that UEFA standards are upheld throughout the match.
Importance of Match Officials in High-Stakes Games
In a knockout stage like the UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals, every decision can influence the outcome. The referee and his team must remain alert, unbiased, and consistent from the first whistle to the final minute. With world-class players on both sides, maintaining discipline and flow becomes even more critical.
The all-Italian officiating lineup highlights UEFA’s trust in their experience and coordination. Familiarity among the officials can enhance communication and decision-making during fast and complex match situations.
Final Thoughts
As Liverpool and PSG battle for a place in the semi-finals, the spotlight will not only be on the players but also on the refereeing team. With Maurizio Mariani leading a strong and experienced group of officials, fans can expect a well-managed, fair, and professionally officiated match.
This crucial second-leg encounter promises excitement, tension, and world-class football—and with such a qualified officiating crew, the game is set to unfold under the highest standards of European football governance.