OFFICIAL: UEFA makes a hot decision regarding the Atlético vs Barcelona clash

After disputes related to officiating in the game at Spotify Camp Nou involving Istvan Kovacs, Barcelona is paying special attention to UEFA's referee appointment for the Champions League quarter-final return match against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Accordingly, French referee Clément Turpin will be the official overseeing this crucial match, where Hansi Flick's team aims to turn the tide. Turpin has officiated five Barcelona matches in European competitions, with a record of two wins, two losses, and one draw. The most recent time this 43-year-old referee handled a match for the Catalan club was in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final last season against Inter, a game that ended with a 3-3 draw and no major controversial decisions affecting the outcome.

Nevertheless, Turpin is not a name associated with fond memories for Barcelona. Under his officiating, the team has twice suffered bitter eliminations in European tournaments. The most notable instance was the Champions League quarter-final second leg in the 2017/18 season, when Barcelona under coach Ernesto Valverde lost 0-3 to AS Roma, thereby squandering a 4-1 advantage from the first leg and being shockingly eliminated.

Additionally, Turpin also refereed the Barcelona vs Manchester United match in the Europa League during the 2022/23 season. At that time, Xavi Hernandez's team drew 2-2 in the first leg but lost 1-2 at Old Trafford, despite Lewandowski opening the scoring. Fred and Antony were the goal scorers for Manchester United. Barcelona's two victories under Turpin's supervision came in the Champions League group stage, against Dynamo Kiev (1-0) and Borussia Dortmund (3-1).

Regarding Atlético Madrid, Turpin has officiated eight matches for this team, with a record of three wins, three draws, and two losses. This season, he oversaw a match for Diego Simeone's side at the Metropolitano when they defeated Club Brugge 4-1. In the previous season, Turpin was also the main referee in the Madrid derby during the Champions League round of 16, where Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg.