Who is Michael Oliver, the referee for Braga vs Real Madrid, Champions League 2023/24

We’re two games down and next up for Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage is Braga, and a match that is being played at the interestingly two-sided Estádio Municipal. Hopefully afterwards we’ll simply be discussing the impact of the players and the tactics of the managers, but, as we’ve become rather accustomed, there’s always a chance that the referee will have a say.

The man in charge in north eastern Portugal on Tuesday 24 October is English official Michael Oliver. Let’s take a closer look...

Who is referee Michael Oliver?

Michael Oliver is a recognised official in the English Premier League, picking up his FIFA badge in 2012, and he actually achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest ever referee in a Premier League match when he assumed control of the Birmingham City versus Blackburn Rovers game at the age of 25 years and 182 days. This milestone remains unmatched in the competition’s history. Since that historic moment, the now 38-year-old has maintained a prolific career in English football, overseeing well over 300 matches in the top flight.

Adding an intriguing family connection to his illustrious career, in May 2009, Oliver officiated the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium. This event took place just 24 hours after his father, Clive Oliver, had the honour of officiating the League Two play-off final at the same iconic venue. Their shared passion for refereeing undoubtedly runs deep.

Oliver’s reach has extended beyond English football, with numerous European and international games getting him more widely known. And he also took charge of a notable match in the Saudi Pro League between Al Nassr and Al Hilal. In a memorable moment, he issued a yellow card to none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who was caught dragging an opponent to the ground in a headlock.

Who is the VAR for Braga vs Real Madrid?

The officiating team supporting Oliver consists of assistant referees Stuart Burt and Daniel Cook from England, with Andrew Madley, also from England, serving as the fourth official.

Overseeing the video review process are Stuart Attwell from England as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Christian Dingert from Germany in the role of Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR).

What is Real Madrid’s record with Michael Oliver?

Ahead of this Group C clash, Madrid fans may reflect on the two previous fixtures that Oliver officiated when their team was involved. Both were high profile fixtures.

The first time came in the 2017/18 season, a Champions League quarter final second leg against Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Italians had arrived after a 0-3 loss at home in the first leg and almost pulled off a remarkable turnaround as they levelled the aggregate score 3-3 with half an hour left to play. Tempers flared, however, as a penalty was awarded by Oliver to Madrid in added-on time, Gianluigi Buffon being sent off, and Cristiano Ronaldo tucking it away on the 97th minute to clinch the win.

The other fixture was in the European Super Cup final of 2022, when Los Blancos added another trophy to the burgeoning collection, beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0.