Bombshell: François Letexier sparks tension ahead of Benfica v Real Madrid | OneFootball

The match tonight, February 17, between Benfica and Real Madrid has not yet started, but it is already generating controversy. It seems that the appointment of François Letexier is the reason behind the unrest within the Benfica universe.

According to the newspaper A Bola, based on an article published by the daily Marca, the merengue team was quite pleased with the appointment of the French referee and, as the same source explains, this stance from the management led by Florentino Pérez is not innocent.

As the Spanish daily discovered, Real Madrid has approached UEFA institutionally after withdrawing from the European Super League project. With this, the merengue club strengthened ties with the entity led by Aleksander Čeferin and Letexier's appointment was not by chance, which leaves Benfica quite apprehensive.

The truth is, as A Bola also reveals, the Spanish giant did not hold back in its criticism following the match on January 28, regarding the refereeing by Italian Davide Massa. According to reports, the Spaniards blame the Italian for harming Álvaro Arbeloa's team in the defeat against Benfica (4-2), for awarding the penalty converted by Pavlidis, as well as for the expulsions of Raúl Asensio and Rodrygo.

It is worth remembering that, three weeks later, Benfica faces Real Madrid again, this Tuesday, February 17, in the first leg of the playoff for access to the Champions League round of 16. The second match is scheduled for a week later, on February 25, at the Santiago Bernabéu.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.