The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between RB Leipzig and 13-time winners Real Madrid is set for an intense battle on the pitch. And the refereeing team named by UEFA promises fairness, consistency and sound judgement.
RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid Referee Names
At the helm is the experienced Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto. Backing him up are two assistant referees from Bosnia and Herzegovina – Senad Ibrisimbegović and Davor Beljo. The fourth official for the clash is their compatriot Miloš Gigovic.
| Position | Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Referee | Irfan Peljto | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Assistant Referee 1 | Senad Ibrisimbegović | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Assistant Referee 2 | Davor Beljo | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Fourth Official | Miloš Gigovic | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| VAR | Pol van Boekel | Netherlands |
| AVAR | Dennis Higler | Netherlands |
| Referee Observer | Tomasz Mikulski | Poland |
Peljto Leads Strong Bosnian Quartet
The 39-year old Peljto is an elite UEFA referee, having officiated Champions League and Europa League matches over the past few years. He has established himself as a no-nonsense referee who handles pressure situations calmly.
During the group stages of this season’s Champions League, Peljto officiated matches like Porto versus Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich taking on Viktoria Plzen. He has shown consistency in his decision making and man management.
Ibrisimbegović and Beljo too have gained valuable experience working as assistant referees in European competitions. So Peljto can rely on their support completely in what is expected to be a tactically intense contest.
VAR Responsibilities With Dutch Officials
There will be extra assistance for Peljto and his assistants from the video assistant referees (VAR) named by UEFA for this last 16 first leg.
Experienced Dutch referee Pol van Boekel will be in charge of the VAR, with his compatriot Dennis Higler assisting him as the assistant VAR (AVAR). With over 200 Eredivisie matches under his belt, van Boekel will monitor the review area vigilantly.
The presence of VAR will provide additional reassurance to both teams that technology assisted decisions will quickly rectify any clear and obvious errors made by the officials on the field.
Tomasz Mikulski to Observe Refereeing Team
There will also be a referee observer present in the stadium under UEFA’s guidelines – Tomasz Mikulski from Poland. Mikulski’s role would be to objectively judge the refereeing team’s performance and offer constructive feedback later.
He is a former FIFA assistant referee himself who has transitioned into an administrative role now. Mikulski observes referees not just in Europe but across continents.
So the experience and competence he possesses will help the refereeing team deliver their best in this high profile knockout fixture between the German and Spanish teams.
With red hot atmosphere expected inside Red Bull Arena from the passionate home fans, Peljto and his team’s authority and composure could play a crucial role in case things get heated up during this first leg.
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