The English referee Michael Oliver will lead the round of 16 in the Champions League between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. This could be a good omen for Bayern.
The starting for the Kracher duel on Wednesday (from 9 p.m. in the live ticker and in the radio report) announced the UEFA on Monday. The 40-year-old had recently been in focus several times in his homeland, especially for the Munich-based Oliver could be a good omen.
Last weekend, Oliver decided after the foul against ex-Mainz Jean-Philippe Mateta in the FA Cup game between Crystal Palace and FC Millwall (3: 1) only in the opinion of the video images on red for Millwall keeper Liam Roberts-and was criticized for this. Palace boss Steve Parish called it at the BBC “Terrifying”that Oliver had to rely on the Var: “I don’t know why the referee had to look at the screen.”
Two weeks earlier, Oliver also had a lot to do in the Merseyside derby between Liverpool FC and FC Everton (2: 2). He showed two players after a pack formation after the final whistle yellow-red, Reds coach Arne Slot and his assistant even red. Slot was blocked for two games.
Bayern Munich has never lost when Oliver whistled
For Bavaria, on the other hand, Oliver is a welcome guest, and the record champion under the direction of the Englishman has never lost. There were four victories, including the 1-0 in the round of 16 in 2023 at Paris Saint-Germain. Only against RB Salzburg (1: 1) was there was no success in February 2022.
The Werkself whistled Oliver four times (three victories). The last game, however, does not have a good memories: In the semi-final first leg of the Europa League in May 2023, AS Rome weren’t anywhere at home-and the final dreams of the Rhinelander burst in the second leg.
Zwayer whistles Benfica vs. Barca
A German referee is also used in the round of 16. Felix Zwayer (Munich) will lead the encounter between Benfica Lisbon and FC Barcelona with coach Hansi Flick on Wednesday.