Madrid-UEFA peace deal to face first test in Da Luz return
After burying the hatchet with UEFA over the Super League saga, Real Madrid return to Lisbon hoping for better treatment than their last controversial visit.
Real Madrid’s relationship with UEFA enters a new chapter as they return to Benfica’s Da Luz stadium - the first match since their historic peace agreement with European football’s governing body.
From war to peace
The February 11th announcement saw identical statements from Madrid, UEFA and the EFC (European Football Clubs Association) signaling an end to the bitter Super League dispute. Some pundits were quick to frame this as a defeat for Florentino Pérez, but PSG and EFC president Nasser Al Khelaifi was having none of it, praising the Madrid president as “a visionario” and dismissing anyone who sees Pérez as losing this battle.
Da Luz nightmares
Madrid’s last trip to Lisbon left a proper bad taste in their mouth, and not just because of their below-par performance. The appointment of Italian referee Davide Massa raised eyebrows at the time, and his performance did nothing to allay suspicions:
- Two first-half penalties awarded to Benfica (one overturned by VAR)
- The second penalty given for a minimal tug by Tchouaméni on Otamendi
- Late red cards for both Asencio and Rodrygo, ruling them out of Tuesday’s return fixture
That defeat came during the final stretch of negotiations between Madrid and UEFA, leaving some to wonder if the dodgy decisions were part of the political football being played behind the scenes. Bit of a liberty, if you ask me.
Different atmosphere expected
Despite past tensions, the general feeling at Madrid is that European competitions provide a less toxic environment than domestic Spanish football. The club proudly notes that despite their UEFA conflict since announcing the Super League in 2021, they’ve won as many Champions Leagues (2022 and 2024) as they have La Liga titles in that period.
For Tuesday’s crucial fixture, Madrid are pleased with UEFA’s appointment of François Letexier as referee. The Frenchman brings significant Champions League experience, having officiated five previous Madrid matches with a balanced record of two wins, two losses and a draw - a far cry from Massa’s limited European pedigree.
With the reconciliation now official, Los Blancos will be watching closely to see if the newfound peace brings more balanced treatment on the pitch. After all, the proof of the pudding’s in the eating.