The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 clash between SL Benfica and Real Madrid has generated excitement across Europe. As fans prepare for this blockbuster encounter, UEFA has officially confirmed the referee team appointed to oversee the match. With two historic clubs meeting on Europe’s biggest stage, the selection of experienced match officials plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness, control, and high-quality officiating.
Benfica vs Real Madrid Match Officials – UEFA Champions League 2025/2026
| Role | Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Referee | François Letexier | FRA |
| Assistant Referee 1 | Cyril Mugnier | FRA |
| Assistant Referee 2 | Mehdi Rahmouni | NED |
| Fourth Official | Jérémie Pignard | FRA |
| VAR | Jérôme Brisard | FRA |
| AVAR | Jarred Gillett | ENG |
| Referee Observer | Nicola Rizzoli | ITA |
Match Referee: François Letexier (France)
The main referee for SL Benfica vs Real Madrid is François Letexier (FRA). One of France’s most respected officials, Letexier has rapidly established himself as a reliable presence in major European fixtures. Known for his strong decision-making, calm authority, and consistent disciplinary control, he brings valuable experience to this high-pressure Champions League tie.
Letexier has previously handled top-level domestic and international matches, demonstrating composure in fast-paced, technically demanding contests. His appointment signals UEFA’s confidence in his ability to manage elite-level competition between two attacking teams with rich European histories.
Assistant Referees
Supporting Letexier on the sidelines will be:
- Cyril Mugnier (FRA) – Assistant Referee 1
- Mehdi Rahmouni (NED) – Assistant Referee 2
The assistant referees play a critical role in monitoring offside decisions, touchline calls, and close-range fouls. Their coordination with the central referee ensures smooth match flow and accurate judgment in tight situations. Mugnier’s familiarity with Letexier strengthens on-field communication, while Rahmouni adds valuable international officiating experience.
Fourth Official
The fourth official for this Champions League fixture is Jérémie Pignard (FRA). Positioned between both team benches, the fourth official is responsible for managing substitutions, maintaining order in the technical areas, and supporting the referee team with administrative duties. In emotionally charged matches like Benfica vs Real Madrid, this role becomes especially important.
VAR Team
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Video Assistant Referee technology will also be active for the match.
- VAR: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
- AVAR: Jarred Gillett (ENG)
The VAR system is crucial in reviewing key match incidents such as goals, penalty decisions, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. Brisard’s experience in European competitions ensures thorough video analysis, while Gillett provides additional support to maintain accuracy and consistency.
Referee Observer
The referee observer assigned to this match is Nicola Rizzoli (ITA). A highly respected former international referee, Rizzoli oversees the performance of the officiating team. His feedback helps maintain UEFA’s elite refereeing standards and ensures continuous improvement across competitions.
Importance of Officiating in High-Profile Matches
When clubs like SL Benfica and Real Madrid meet in the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026, the spotlight extends beyond the players. Every call can influence momentum, tactics, and even qualification outcomes. That is why UEFA appoints experienced officials capable of handling pressure, managing star players, and maintaining fairness throughout 90 minutes and beyond.
The blend of French, Dutch, English, and Italian officials reflects UEFA’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism. With François Letexier leading the team, supporters can expect structured officiating, disciplined control, and adherence to modern VAR protocols.
As anticipation builds for this elite European showdown, the confirmed referee lineup adds another layer of intrigue. All eyes will be on the pitch—not only for the footballing spectacle, but also for the decisions that could shape the outcome of this thrilling Champions League encounter.