UEFA has confirmed the match officials for Celtic’s Champions League knockout play-off round tie against Bayern Munich, with Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano appointed to oversee the crucial first leg at Celtic Park. [UEFA]
The 41-year-old is no stranger to Celtic fans, having previously officiated during the club’s memorable 3-0 away victory over Anderlecht in the 2017 Champions League group stage. Many will be hoping he can bring similar good fortune this time around.
- Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
- Assistant Referees: Diego Barbero (Spain) & Ángel Nevado (Spain)
- Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera (Spain)
- VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande (Spain)
- AVAR: Tiago Martins (Portugal)
Manzano is one of Spain’s top referees, with extensive experience officiating in La Liga and across European competitions. He has a firm but fair approach; he’s handled high-profile matches involving some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Celtic fans will have fond memories of his last involvement with the Hoops in Europe, when he took charge of that dominant 3-0 win over Anderlecht in 2017—a performance that remains one of the club’s most impressive away victories in recent Champions League history.
Daizen Maeda will miss the clash, of course. He was sent off against Young Boys and was handed a 2-match ban. Kasper Schmeichel should return between the sticks for this one.
