Arsenal return to Champions League action on Wednesday night when they visit Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Mikel Arteta’s team eased past Sporting CP in the last round to set up a fascinating semi-final tie with Diego Simeone’s complicated outfit. Kai Havertz’s 91st-minute winner in Lisbon gave the Gunners something to hang on to heading into the second leg, and they comfortably saw the tie out at the Emirates.
They’re now set to face a team they thrashed back in October, when the Gunners were flying and beating teams at will. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as a brace from Viktor Gyokeres, saw Arsenal claim an emphatic victory over the Spanish giants in N5 during the league phase.
This was a relatively routine and straightforward win for the North Londoners, and Arteta will hope the clash in Madrid will be similarly serene. With that said, here’s a look at UEFA’s pick for the match officials for Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal.
Who is the referee for Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal?
UEFA have confirmed that Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will be the man in charge of Arsenal’s game against Atletico.
This will be the second Gunners game Makkelie has officiated so far this season, with the Dutchman overseeing Arteta’s side’s 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates in the round of 16.
Danny Makkelie’s record against Arsenal
Makkelie has been a referee at the top level for several years and has officiated four Arsenal matches throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners four yellow cards, no red cards and no penalties.
| Makkelie’s record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Danny Makkelie’s record against Atletico Madrid
As for Atletico, Makkelie has officiated seven of the Madrid club’s games, giving them 12 yellow cards, two red cards and no penalties in the process.
| Makkelie’s record refereeing Atletico matches | |||
| Matches | Atletico wins | Draws | Atletico defeats |
| 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside Makkelie as the referee will be his assistants, Hessel Steegstra, Jan de Vries and Serdar Gozubuyuk, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.
In the VAR room, Dennis Higler will oversee the game, with Pol van Boekel assisting him.
