Real Madrid receives positive news regarding the referee for the match against Liverpool

Before the highly anticipated Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Champions League match, supporters of Los Blancos received encouraging news with the appointment of referee Istvan Kovacs, the fortunate "black shirt" for Real, by UEFA to oversee the game.

According to the official announcement from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs will take charge at Anfield. At 41 years old, Kovacs is among the most experienced referees in Europe today, having officiated last season’s Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.

Notably, for Real Madrid, Kovacs is regarded as a “guardian referee.” In the four Champions League matches he has officiated for them, the “White Falcons” have won three times, including the playoff second leg last season when they defeated Manchester City 3-1 to advance to the group stage.

These statistics boost Real fans’ confidence even more, especially as coach Xabi Alonso’s team is in excellent form both in La Liga and the Champions League, maintaining an unbeaten streak.

In stark contrast to Real Madrid’s joy, Liverpool fans have reasons to worry. In the last two Champions League matches refereed by Istvan Kovacs, the “Red Brigade” suffered bitter defeats.

First was the heavy 2-5 loss to Real Madrid at Anfield during the 2022/23 round of 16 first leg. Then came a 0-1 defeat to PSG last season, which led to Arne Slot’s team being eliminated in a penalty shootout.

Due to these results, many Liverpool fans have dubbed Kovacs the “nemesis.” With the Merseyside club struggling to regain form after a slump in the Premier League, facing Real Madrid along with the “curse” linked to the Romanian referee adds extra tension at Anfield.

According to UEFA’s assignment, Istvan Kovacs will be assisted by fellow Romanians Ferencz Tunyogi and Marcel Birsan. The VAR official will be Bastian Dankert from Germany.

The Liverpool vs. Real Madrid match promises to be the highlight of this week’s Champions League fixtures, not only due to its significance for the group standings but also because of the “psychological factor” represented by Istvan Kovacs, who has brought much joy to Real and considerable disappointment to Liverpool.