As the UEFA Champions League heats up in the 2025/26 season, a record six English clubs will compete in this years competition.
Six intriguing group stage fixtures promise high stakes and tactical battles. But behind every pivotal call, from penalty shouts to VAR interventions, stands a referee tasked with maintaining order amid the chaos.
The referees for the English Clubs this week are:
Athletic Club vs. Arsenal: Donatas Rumšas – Lithuania's Euro Trailblazer Steps Up
Over in Bilbao's electric Estadio de San Mamés, where Athletic Club's Basque passion meets Arsenal's precision, Lithuanian referee Donatas Rumšas will make his mark.
A Category 1 official, Rumšas etched his name in history at Euro 2024 as the first Lithuanian referee in an independent-era major tournament, debuting in a group stage thriller that showcased his calm under the lights. His rapid ascent includes recent stints in Champions League qualifiers, where he's been praised for clear communication and fair play.
At 38, Rumšas brings a fresh perspective to UEFA's top table, having officiated over a dozen international matches with a low controversy rate. His Lithuanian assistants Aleksandras Radavičius and Dovydas Sužiedėlis will flank him, alongside fourth official Robertas Valikonis.
Tottenham vs. Villarreal: Rade Obrenović – The Slovenian Enforcer with Qualifier Pedigree
London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sets the scene for a tactical chess match between Spurs and Villarreal, refereed by Slovenian stalwart Rade Obrenović.
Now in his mid-40s, Obrenović has officiated nearly 300 professional games, including stints in the PrvaLiga, Greek Super League, and multiple UEFA qualifiers. Over the past year alone, he's handled 17 fixtures, among them three Champions League qualifiers, averaging 4.25 yellow cards per game—a firm but fair tally that deters reckless challenges without derailing the flow.
He'll be backed by compatriots Jure Praprotnik and Grega Kordež as assistants, David Šmajc as fourth official, and Alen Borošak on VAR—all Slovenian for a cohesive unit. German AVAR Bastian Dankert adds Teutonic precision to video checks.
Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea: José María Sánchez Martínez – The El Clásico Veteran Takes Charge
In Munich's iconic Allianz Arena, where Bayern's red-and-white army clashes with Chelsea's blue brigade, Spanish referee José María Sánchez Martínez will be the man in the middle.
Born in 1983 in Murcia, Sánchez has risen through La Liga's ranks to become a UEFA elite referee, earning his FIFA stripes and a reputation for handling pressure-cooker games with composure. At 41, he's no stranger to the big stage: he officiated the 2024 El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, a match that drew global scrutiny for its intensity and his measured decisions.
Sánchez's style leans toward discipline without excess drama—his teams average around 4-5 yellows per game in domestic play, with a keen eye for tactical fouls.
Supporting him are fellow Spaniards Raúl Caballero and Íñigo Prieto as assistants, Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez as fourth official, and countryman Carlos del Cerro Grande on VAR duties. The A-VAR role goes to Dutchman Rob Dieperink, adding a cross-border layer to potential reviews.
🚨 José María Sánchez from Spain will referee Bayern Munich vs Chelsea on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/Du7RlW80lp
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) September 15, 2025
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid: Maurizio Mariani – Italy's Serie A Sentinel Returns to Europe
Closing out the quartet at Anfield, where Liverpool's roar meets Atletico's steel, Italian referee Maurizio Mariani takes centre stage. Born in 1982 in Rome and residing in Aprilia, the 43-year-old has built a solid Serie A career since 2013, officiating over 340 games with an average of 3.76 yellows per outing—enough to keep Diego Simeone's warriors in check without over-officiating.
Mariani's UEFA portfolio includes Europa League ties and qualifiers, blending Italian flair with meticulous detail.
His crew is a full Italian affair: assistants Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni, fourth official Matteo Marcenaro, VAR Marco Di Bello, and AVAR Alessandro Di Paolo.
This homegrown synergy could streamline decisions in a cauldron like Anfield, especially with the head-to-head locked at 2-2-2 (9-8 goals to Liverpool). Mariani's record against top clubs shows impartiality, with penalties awarded evenly—key for a fixture where Atletico's dark arts often test officials.
Thursdays Fixtures to added in due course...
Whistles in Harmony: What These Appointments Mean for the Week
UEFA's referee selections for these fixtures underscore a blend of experience and innovation: from Sánchez's star power to Rumšas's rising star, Obrenović's reliability, and Mariani's tactical nous.
With VAR teams spanning Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, and Germany, expect efficient tech interventions. As these matches unfold, the referees won't steal the show—but their calls could well decide who advances in this unpredictable group stage. Fans, fasten your seatbelts: the beautiful game is back, and the men in black (and green) are ready.
