The Champions League is back and it is back with a bang. An old classic that never fails to entertain – it’s Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool vs Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, a match both sides will have mixed but oh-so-fresh memories of.
Following a confidence-boosting 2–0 victory away at Ipswich Town sealed by a quick-fire double from Alexander Isak. Andoni Iraola’s Reds are quickly turning their attention back to European action. Liverpool return to Anfield this Wednesday to kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign against Spanish heavyweights Atlético Madrid.
Ahead of the blockbuster European fixture, UEFA has confirmed the full matchday officiating team that will take charge under the Anfield lights.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Refereeing Team
- Referee: Davide Massa
· Assistant Referees: Filippo Meli & Alessio Berti
· Fourth Official: Matteo Marcenaro
· Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Marco Di Bello
· Assistant VAR: Daniele Chiffi
The sight of 45-year-old referee, Davide Massa, is a good omen for home fans. The Italian, a regular in the Serie A refereeing circuit, has only taken charge of one Liverpool match in the past – Liverpool’s 1-0 away victory over PSG in March 2025.
Fans who remember that match will know that that fixture was the ultimate smash and grab. After 87 minutes of dominance from the French champions, Harvey Elliott popped up with Liverpool’s only shot of the match to steal a victory and send the visiting fans into raptures.
In terms of Massa’s record, he is no stranger to a card, calling 26.7 fouls and brandishing 4.5 yellows per match, both higher than the Serie A average. The Italian has taken charge of just one match so far this season where he oversaw Torino’s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina. However, unusually he did not show a single card.
Knowing Diego Simeone the way Liverpool fans only too well, a Champions League night against his Atlético Madrid side is rarely a quiet affair.
It promises to be a typically spicy encounter under the lights on Merseyside, where the tension on the pitch will undoubtedly match the roar from the stands. If the red half of Liverpool is going to get off to the dream start in Europe, Iraola will be hoping the only red seen on Wednesday night is the famous Kop celebrating a winner.
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