Felix Zwayer Assigned to Referee Real Madrid vs Liverpool
The Champions League round of 16 second leg between Real Madrid and Liverpool, scheduled at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium at 9 p.m., will be overseen by the German referee Felix Zwayer. He has been appointed by UEFA to officiate this high-stakes clash, with another German referee, Marco Fritz, serving as the video assistant referee for the match.
Who is Felix Zwayer, the German official guiding Real Madrid against Liverpool in the 2022-23 round of 16
Zwayer, 41, is an international referee who will be supported by a strong German contingent on the day. Christian Dingert will assist him on the field, joined by Stefan Lupp and Marco Achmüller as assistant referees. Sven Jablonski is named as the fourth official, a lineup confirmed by UEFA. This crew reflects Germany’s depth in officiating at the continental level and underscores Zwayer’s prominent role in major European fixtures.
Zwayer’s history with Real Madrid and match context
Real Madrid has previously faced Zwayer in Europe, including a group-stage encounter in November 2019 when Madrid defeated Galatasaray 6-0. The current tie has Madrid carrying a significant advantage after securing a 5-2 triumph in the away leg at Anfield, a result that put them in a commanding position for the return leg at home.
In terms of competitive history, Zwayer has officiated games involving English clubs on multiple occasions. The upcoming match will mark his first time refereeing Liverpool on European soil as the visiting team, a milestone that adds an extra layer of anticipation to the fixture. The German official’s handling of this decisive encounter will be closely watched by players, coaches, and fans, all keen to see how he manages the pace, intensity, and tactical nuance typical of a Champions League knockout tie.
The appointment continues to spotlight the ongoing practice of UEFA assigning experienced referees from different footballing nations to ensure consistency and high standards across the competition. Zwayer’s experience in top-tier matches, combined with the involvement of Marco Fritz as VAR, aims to deliver a clear and fair officiating framework for a match expected to feature rapid transitions, physical pressing, and moments of high drama in front of a global audience.
Overall, the scene is set for a tightly contested second leg where Real Madrid holds the advantage but Liverpool remains capable of overturning the deficit through determination, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing. Zwayer’s performance, supported by his German colleagues and the VAR team, will be pivotal in shaping the tempo and fairness of the encounter as the tournament progresses.”
Attribution: Goal