José María Sánchez Martínez, 41-year-old Spanish and international referee since 2017, has been appointed to arbitrate the quarter-final return of the Champions League between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain, which will take place this Tuesday evening in Villa Park. Although recognized for his regular performances in Liga, his nomination for a meeting of such European importance arouses some surprise, given his limited experience in the final stages of the competition. Nevertheless, the Spanish referee has a consistent record, thanks in particular to his participation in many “Clásicos” between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, which he has officiated seven times, with a favorable balance in Barça (four victories against three).

Sánchez Martínez’s experience also manifests itself in his ability to make binding decisions, as evidenced by the expulsion of Dani Carvajal during a “Clásico” in 2017 for a voluntary misconduct. This season, he led some 30 meetings, distributing a large number of yellow and red cards. His participation in the Champions League remains limited, with only seven games arbitrated so far, and this is his first assignment involving the PSG or Aston Villa in the competition. He will be supported by a team of Spanish referees, ensuring full support during the game.

The atmosphere at Villa Park promises to be electric, and Paris Saint-Germain will have to show mastery against an arbitrator familiar with the high stakes of the “Clásicos”, even though he remains relatively unexperienced in the final instances of the Champions League. The meeting will therefore be crucial and the influence of arbitration could be decisive for the outcome of the qualification.