Real Madrid handed a superstitious referee boost ahead of second-leg clash with Arsenal.
Superstition or Advantage? Real Madrid Fans Hope Referee François Letexier Brings Bernabéu Magic, The French referee has officiated key matches for Los Blancos—with mostly positive results.
As Real Madrid prepare to host Arsenal in a do-or-die second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, the pressure is sky-high. With a three-goal deficit to overcome, the odds are stacked against them. But fans are clinging to every ounce of hope—and that includes a little superstition.
Madrid have been handed what some fans are calling a superstitious boost: the referee for the match is François Letexier, a name that sparks optimism in the Spanish capital.
Letexier officiated the UEFA Euro 2024 final, where Spain defeated England—with Madrid players Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu all lifting the trophy. Symbolic? Maybe. Motivating? Definitely.
More than superstition, Letexier brings experience. He’s overseen several major Champions League matches involving Real Madrid, with a mixed but generally positive record:
- ✅ 4–2 win vs Napoli (2023)
- 🤝 3–3 draw vs Manchester City (2023)
- ✅ 2–0 win vs Chelsea (2023)
- ❌ 0–2 loss vs Liverpool (2023)
Madrid have won more than they’ve lost with Letexier in charge—a stat that might help calm nerves. And at the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium known for producing miracles, every small detail counts.
While Letexier’s presence may not decide the match, his ability to keep control in high-stakes situations could prove important in what promises to be a fiery encounter.
Real Madrid now look to deliver a performance worthy of their history, where the referee won’t be the story—but rather, just a footnote in another magical European night.
