Madrid, Spain – Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the second leg of the Champions League playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The match, scheduled for 9:00 pm CEST, will determine which team advances to the round of 16 of the prestigious European competition. This marks the fourth time Vinčić will officiate a match involving Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The appointment comes as Real Madrid seeks to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament. Benfica will be looking to overturn a potential deficit from the first leg to progress. Vinčić’s presence adds a layer of experience to the crucial encounter, with a reputation for firm but fair officiating.
Vinčić previously refereed Real Madrid in three Champions League matches: a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 2023/24 final, a 1-3 defeat against Milan during the 2024/25 group stage and a 1-0 win against Juventus in the 2025/26 group stage, according to Real Madrid’s official website.
The Slovenian official has quickly become a prominent figure in European football officiating. He was notably selected by UEFA to referee the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, as reported by UEFA.com. Vinčić began his FIFA career in 2010 and has since officiated numerous high-profile matches, including 12 Champions League and 19 Europa League games as of July 2021, according to Wikipedia.
Vinčić’s Recent Assignments
Beyond the Champions League, Vinčić has demonstrated versatility in his officiating duties. He refereed a Turkish Super League fixture between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray on February 24, 2025, as noted by Wikipedia. He was also selected to officiate at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where he issued nine yellow cards and a red card during a goalless draw between River Plate and Monterrey.
His selection for these major tournaments underscores the confidence placed in his abilities by governing bodies like UEFA and FIFA. Vinčić’s consistent performance and adherence to the laws of the game have established him as a respected figure within the football community.
The match at the Bernabéu promises to be a tense affair, with both Real Madrid and Benfica vying for a coveted spot in the Champions League knockout stages. Vinčić’s experience and authority will be crucial in maintaining order and ensuring a fair contest. Fans can expect a closely monitored match with a high level of scrutiny on all decisions.
Looking ahead, Vinčić’s continued presence in major competitions signals his ongoing importance to the world of football officiating. His performance in the Real Madrid-Benfica clash will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as both teams aim to advance in the Champions League.
What are your thoughts on this appointment? Share your predictions for the match and your opinions on Vinčić’s officiating style in the comments below.
