Italian Referee to Steer Benfica vs Real Madrid in Crunch Champions League Clash
26 January 2026
Match Officials and Schedule
UEFA has named Italian referee David Massa to officiate Benfica vs Real Madrid at the Da Luz stadium in the final round of the Champions League group stage. The matches in this last round will kick off on Wednesday evening as teams contend for direct progression to the last-16 or a playoff berth.
Massa will be assisted by Filippo Mele and Stefano Alessio, with Luca Barito serving as the fourth official. For video technology, Marco Di Bello will head the VAR team with Gianluca Oriellano assisting.
Context and Standings
This will be Massa’s second Champions League assignment involving Real Madrid, following the 2023/24 round of 16 second leg at RB Leipzig that ended 1-1.
He has also officiated Benfica in two prior Champions League matches: a win over Club Brugge in 2022-23 and a 0-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the previous edition.
Real Madrid sit third in the group on 15 points, while Benfica have six. The result will determine direct qualification or the playoff route to the knockout stage.
Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, and the on-pitch drama promises to be as lively as the pre-match handshakes. If things get tense, Massa’s whistle may just become the star of the show—punchy, precise, and somehow always on time.
