UEFA has appointed Romanian referee István Kovács to officiate the high-profile Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield. The fixture, set to be played on Tuesday, brings together two of Europe’s biggest clubs, and the choice of referee reflects the significance of the night.
Kovács, 40, is one of UEFA’s elite officials and has overseen several major European matches in recent seasons. Liverpool fans will remember him clearly — he officiated the dramatic first-leg meeting between the sides in the 2022/23 Champions League round of 16, where Real Madrid stunned Anfield with a 5–2 comeback victory. His firm management style and willingness to let play flow have earned both praise and criticism in different high-pressure fixtures.
With both teams aiming to stamp their authority on the European stage once again, Kovács’ decisions will be under the spotlight. Liverpool will hope for a strong and disciplined display at home, while Real Madrid arrive with confidence given their past results under his watch. The referee’s experience at the top level suggests UEFA expects a heated, high-intensity battle.
As anticipation builds for yet another chapter in this prestigious rivalry, all eyes will not only be on the players — but also on the man tasked with keeping control when emotions rise and stakes soar.