Francois Letexier to referee Roma vs Real Madrid in Champions League showdown
French referee Francois Letexier has been appointed to officiate Roma’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday. Dutch official Dennis Higler will serve as the video assistant referee (VAR), as the two European sides prepare for a high-profile contest under the lights in Rome.
The appointment adds an intriguing subplot to a match already rich in history and expectation. Letexier has previously overseen several Real Madrid fixtures in Europe, while Roma also know the French official from their Europa League campaigns. His experience with both clubs could prove useful in a game where the atmosphere is likely to be intense and every major decision closely scrutinised.
Letexier’s record with Real Madrid
According to Mundo Deportivo, Letexier has refereed six of Real Madrid’s Champions League matches. The Spanish club have won three of those games, drawn one and lost two. That record offers no clear prediction of how Wednesday’s encounter will unfold, but it underlines the official’s familiarity with Madrid’s players and the demands of refereeing the competition’s biggest fixtures.
His first assignment involving Real Madrid came in the first leg of the 2022–23 Champions League quarter-finals. Madrid beat Chelsea 2–0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, putting themselves in a strong position in the tie. The fixture was one of several high-pressure European matches that have helped build Letexier’s profile as a referee on the continental stage.
His most recent Madrid assignment came in the first leg of last season’s Champions League play-off against Benfica. Real Madrid secured a 1–0 victory, with Vinicius Junior scoring the decisive goal. The result gave Madrid a narrow advantage, but the match became notable for an incident involving Benfica manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho dismissal remains a talking point
During the Benfica match, Letexier showed Mourinho two yellow cards for dissent, resulting in the Portuguese coach’s dismissal. Mourinho was consequently unable to take his place on the touchline for the return leg at the Bernabeu and had to watch from the stands.
The episode is a reminder that a referee’s influence can extend beyond decisions involving players. In a Champions League tie, managing the technical areas and maintaining control of the match can be just as important, particularly when emotions rise. Roma and Madrid supporters will therefore be watching not only the players’ performances but also how Letexier handles the pressure and any flashpoints.
That does not mean the previous incident will determine how Wednesday’s match is officiated. Each game brings different circumstances, and referees are expected to assess decisions independently. Still, Letexier’s history with Mourinho and Madrid adds an extra layer of interest for fans following the build-up.
Roma have also crossed paths with the French referee
Roma are not encountering Letexier for the first time. He has taken charge of four of their Europa League fixtures, with the Italian side recording two wins and two defeats. His most recent Roma assignment was the second leg of their 2024–25 play-off against Porto, a dramatic match that finished 3–2 in Roma’s favour.
That experience gives Letexier some familiarity with the club’s players and the atmosphere surrounding European football in Rome. The Stadio Olimpico can be an imposing venue, especially when Roma are competing in a major continental fixture. A strong home crowd can energise the team, while also creating a demanding environment for the officials.
Roma will hope to make that home advantage count, while Real Madrid arrive with the pedigree and experience of one of the Champions League’s most successful clubs. The contrast in styles, the stakes of the competition and the pressure of a European night all point to a tightly watched contest.
Why the referee appointment matters
Referee appointments rarely decide a match on their own, but they can shape its rhythm. Letexier’s approach to physical challenges, advantage, dissent and time management may influence how freely the teams can play. Higler’s role in the VAR booth will also be important if a potential penalty, red-card incident or other major decision requires review.
For supporters considering a football prediction, the officials are only one part of the wider picture. Team selection, current form, injuries, tactical choices and the ability to cope with the occasion are likely to matter far more. Even so, knowing the referee’s past assignments provides useful context for understanding the match’s narrative and the scrutiny surrounding key decisions.
With both clubs familiar with Letexier’s work, the focus will be on whether he can keep the contest flowing while maintaining control. Roma will look to use their home support to unsettle the visitors, while Madrid will aim to impose their experience in a competition they know exceptionally well. The referee’s task will be to ensure that the football, rather than controversy, remains at the centre of the evening.
Wednesday’s Champions League clash therefore carries more than just sporting significance. It brings together two historic clubs, a charged setting at the Stadio Olimpico and an official who has already featured in notable European matches involving both sides. As kick-off approaches, fans will be eager to see which team takes control—and whether Letexier’s appointment becomes a quiet detail or another talking point in a memorable night of football.
