Letexier, the referee who sent off Mourinho, to officiate Roma vs Real Madrid

UEFA has confirmed the officiating team for the match between Roma and Real Madrid on Wednesday, October 14 at the Stadio Olimpico, kicking off at 9:00 pm. French referee François Letexier, 37, will take charge of the game, with Dennis Higler of the Netherlands responsible for VAR.

• François Letexier will referee Roma vs Real Madrid on Wednesday, October 14 at 9:00 pm.
• Dutch official Dennis Higler will oversee VAR at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Letexier has refereed Real Madrid six times in the Champions League, with three wins for Los Blancos.
• In his last match, he sent off José Mourinho when the Portuguese coach was at Benfica.
• Letexier has never officiated Roma in the Champions League, but has done so in four Europa League games.

Letexier's Champions League record with Real Madrid

François Letexier has crossed paths with Real Madrid in six matches of Europe's top club competition. The record favors the Spanish side: three wins, one draw and two defeats. His first game in charge involving Madrid came in the 2022/23 season, during the quarter-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. That Real Madrid-Chelsea clash ended in a 2-0 home victory.

The most recent memory: sending off Mourinho in Lisbon

Letexier's last involvement with Real Madrid took place last season, in the Champions League round of 32 against Benfica, then coached by José Mourinho. Los Blancos won 1-0 with a Vinicius goal in a match overshadowed by the Portuguese manager's dismissal.

Mourinho picked up two yellow cards for dissent and missed the second leg at the Bernabéu. Now, as Real Madrid's head coach, he will meet the French referee again when the two sides face off in the group stage at the Stadio Olimpico.

How Roma have fared with Letexier in Europe

The Italian club have no previous meetings with Letexier in the Champions League. However, the French official has refereed Roma on four occasions in the Europa League, where the Giallorossi have recorded two wins and two defeats under his whistle.

Roma's last match officiated by the Frenchman

The most recent reference for Roma with Letexier goes back to the second leg of the Europa League round of 32 in the 2024/25 season. That night, the Italian side beat Porto 3-2 in a thrilling encounter that sent the Romans through to the next round.

What Roma and Real Madrid are playing for at the Olimpico

Wednesday's match in Rome is crucial for both teams' ambitions in the Champions League group stage. Defending champions Real Madrid are looking to maintain their historic dominance in the competition and secure passage to the knockout rounds as soon as possible.

For Roma, hosting the Spanish giants is an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the favourites for the title. The Stadio Olimpico promises a gala atmosphere for a clash that brings together two of the most intriguing benches in Europe, with Mourinho returning to what he considers his football home.

Frequently asked questions about the Roma-Real Madrid referee