Davide Massa to referee Bayern‑Arsenal Champions League tie

FC Bayern Munich will host FC Arsenal in the Champions League at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday at 21:00, with Italian referee Davide Massa appointed to oversee the encounter. The clash follows Bayern’s recent 3‑3 draw with Viking FK and Arsenal’s two‑game winning streak without conceding.

Nach the recent setback, the match is expected to be physically demanding and will require a sovereign level of officiating. Both sides are likely to test the limits of the laws, making the referee’s role pivotal. Aus Sicht the FCB, the official should not dominate the narrative.

SPOX has confirmed that Massa will take charge of the top‑flight encounter. The announcement comes as fans anticipate a tightly contested duel in the European arena.

Massa’s refereeing pedigree

Davide Massa, a 45‑year‑old Italian, primarily works in Serie A but has already refereed a Champions League fixture this season, overseeing Liverpool’s opening‑day clash with Atletico Madrid. He is renowned for a strict, uncompromising style and a low tolerance for dissent.

In the 2024/25 season Massa officiated Bayern’s 1‑0 group‑stage win over Benfica Lisbon. The previous campaign he supervised Bayern’s 3‑1 victory against Galatasaray Istanbul, reinforcing his experience with the German side.

His Champions League statistics show 30 appearances, 97 yellow cards, four yellow‑red cards and four straight red cards – a total of 105 cards handed out.

Recent form of the clubs

Bayern entered the tie after a dramatic 3‑3 draw with Viking FK, where the equaliser arrived in the final seconds. French winger Michael Olise will miss the match after receiving a yellow‑red card for throwing a ball at Viking captain Zlatko Tripic.

Arsenal arrive in München unbeaten in two league games, keeping clean sheets in both and exuding confidence. Their defensive solidity contrasts with Bayern’s recent vulnerability.

The appointment of Massa adds another layer of intrigue to a fixture that already promises high intensity and tactical battles.