UEFA Champions League referee for OL and Sparta Prague clash revealed

The UEFA has appointed seasoned referee Szymon Marciniak to oversee the highly anticipated second leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League between Olympique Lyonnais and Sparta Prague. The match is set to kick off at 21:00 local time at Groupama Stadium in Décines-Charpieu.

High-stakes encounter demands top-tier officiating

With Olympique Lyonnais having suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat in the first leg in the Czech Republic, the French side faces a daunting task. To advance to the next stage without the need for extra time or a penalty shootout, Paulo Fonseca’s team must secure a victory by at least two goals. In recognition of the high stakes involved, the European football governing body has entrusted this pivotal match to one of the continent’s most respected referees.

At 45 years old, Szymon Marciniak brings a wealth of experience to the Groupama Stadium pitch. His reputation as a top-tier official was cemented when he was chosen to referee the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, a testament to his expertise and authority in handling the most critical moments of elite football.

OL’s mixed history with Marciniak

The appointment of Marciniak is bound to evoke mixed emotions among Lyon supporters, as this will be his fifth officiation in a match involving the club. While his most recent appearance in a Lyon shirt remains a painful memory—a crushing 5-1 loss to Barcelona at Camp Nou in 2019—he has also played a role in more positive outcomes. Notably, he was the referee during Lyon’s 3-1 victory over Ajax Amsterdam in the 2017 Europa League, though it wasn’t enough to secure qualification. His other encounters with Lyon included narrow defeats to Juventus (0-1 in 2016) and Viktoria Plzeň (2-1 in 2014).