Sports
The European Football Association announced the appointment of an Italian refereeing team led by Maurizio Mariani to officiate the upcoming match between AEK Athens and Real Madrid scheduled for Wednesday in the Champions League. The team includes assistant referees Daniele Bendoni and Stefano Alasio, with Alejandro De Paulo managing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, assisted by Valerio Mariano, and Simone Souza serving as the fourth official. Over the past four seasons, Mariani has officiated 18 Champions League matches, including three involving Real Madrid, winning two against Leipzig and Manchester City, and losing one against Lille. The two teams have met four times previously, each winning one match and drawing twice, with AEK Athens remaining unbeaten at home against Real Madrid.
