The Champions League knockout stages are finally here, and Real Madrid now knows the officiating crew for their high-stakes playoff first leg against Benfica. UEFA has confirmed that French referee François Letexier will be the man in the middle this Tuesday at 9:00 pm CEST at the Estádio da Luz.
This match marks a significant milestone for Álvaro Arbeloa. After taking the reins of the first team in January, this will be his first major European test as head coach. The “Spartan” knows exactly what these nights require from his time as a player, and he’ll be looking to guide the squad to a positive result in a notoriously difficult stadium.
A Familiar Face for the Madridistas
François Letexier is no stranger to the Kings of Europe. This Tuesday will be the sixth time the 36-year-old official has whistled a match for Real Madrid. His history with the club includes some of the most dramatic nights in recent memory:
- Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (2024/25 Quarterfinals)
- Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid (2024/25 Group Stage)
- Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City (2023/24 Quarterfinals)
- Real Madrid 4-2 Napoli (2023/24 Group Stage)
- Real Madrid 2-0 Chelsea (2022/23 Quarterfinals)
While Letexier was in charge for our recent tough outings against Arsenal and Liverpool, he also oversaw the dominant win against Chelsea and the thriller against City. Known for his authoritative but calm demeanor—traits honed in his “day job” as a court bailiff—Letexier usually lets the game flow, which should suit the high-intensity style Arbeloa has been implementing since his promotion.
The Arbeloa Factor
This isn’t just another game; it’s the beginning of Arbeloa’s European legacy. After a successful stint with the youth ranks and Castilla, Arbeloa has emphasized defensive discipline and “Madridismo” spirit. Facing a Benfica side that Letexier recently officiated in the Club World Cup, our manager will need to ensure the team remains composed under the bright lights of the Estádio da Luz.
With Letexier’s tendency to only reach for his cards when necessary, we can expect a physical, tactical battle in the midfield. Arbeloa will be counting on the veteran leadership of the squad to navigate the atmosphere while letting the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé exploit the spaces.
The objective is clear: bring a lead back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
