The UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025/26 semi-final clash between Bayern München and FC Barcelona promises to be one of the most exciting fixtures of the season. Alongside the star-studded squads, the officiating team plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and maintaining the high standards expected at this elite level of European football.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Kick-off Time (U.S./Eastern): 12:15 p.m.
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
The iconic Allianz Arena will host this high-stakes first-leg encounter, where both teams will look to gain an advantage before the return leg.
Full Referee Team for Bayern vs Barcelona
UEFA has appointed an experienced officiating crew led by Croatian referee Ivana Martinčić. Here is the complete list of match officials:
- Referee: Ivana Martinčić (Croatia)
- Assistant Referee 1: Maja Petravić (Croatia)
- Assistant Referee 2: Ivona Pejić (Croatia)
- Fourth Official: Emanuela Rusta (Albania)
- VAR (Video Assistant Referee): Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
- AVAR: Jelena Cvetković (Serbia)
- Referee Observer: Ingrid Jonsson (Sweden)
Importance of the Officiating Team
At the semi-final stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the pressure on match officials is immense. Referee Ivana Martinčić brings significant international experience, making her a reliable choice for such a high-profile encounter. Her ability to manage intense matches, control player conduct, and make accurate decisions will be key to maintaining the flow of the game.
The assistant referees, Maja Petravić and Ivona Pejić, will play a vital role in offside decisions and touchline judgments. Meanwhile, the inclusion of VAR (Ivan Bebek) and AVAR (Jelena Cvetković) ensures that crucial decisions such as penalties, goals, and red cards are thoroughly reviewed, minimizing errors.
High Stakes at Allianz Arena
Both Bayern München and FC Barcelona have been dominant forces in women’s football, and this semi-final first leg is expected to deliver top-quality action. With a place in the final on the line, every decision on the pitch will matter. The presence of an experienced officiating team helps guarantee a fair contest between two elite clubs.
Final Thoughts
The referee lineup for Bayern München vs FC Barcelona reflects UEFA’s commitment to maintaining excellence in officiating at the highest level of women’s football. With Ivana Martinčić leading a strong team of officials, fans can expect a well-managed and competitive match at the Allianz Arena.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will not only be on the players but also on the officials who will ensure the game is played with integrity, precision, and fairness.