Real Madrid ‘said to be pleased’ with François Letexier appointment before Benfica tie | OneFootball

François Letexier’s appointment has stirred unease around Benfica ahead of tonight’s meeting with Real Madrid.

Marca reports that Madrid were pleased with the French referee being named, adding that this stance from Florentino Pérez’s hierarchy was not incidental. The outlet also stated the club moved closer to UEFA after abandoning the European Super League, strengthening ties with the organisation led by Aleksander Čeferin.

In that context, the report suggested the selection of Letexier was not by chance, a notion that has left Benfica apprehensive.

Separately, A Bola notes that Madrid were scathing about Italian referee Davide Massa after the 28 January meeting. They are said to have blamed his award of Pavlidis’s penalty and the dismissals of Raúl Asensio and Rodrygo in the 4-2 defeat to Benfica.

The sides meet again on Tuesday, 17 February, in the first leg of the play-off for a place in the Champions League last 16. The return is scheduled for 25 February at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Source: Glorioso 1904