UEFA's recent decision to assign François Letexier as the referee for the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica has raised anxiety within Real Madrid’s camp. Scheduled for February 17 at the Benfica's Estádio da Luz, this match will see Letexier navigating a tense atmosphere as he has a controversial history with Real Madrid's performances in European competitions, particularly a notable loss against Arsenal in April 2025, which has left a sour taste for Madrid fans.

This upcoming match marks the sixth time Letexier will officiate a Real Madrid match in the Champions League. Historical data from previous matches officiated by Letexier shows troubling statistics for Real Madrid, who have only won two, drawn one, and lost two under his supervision. This troubling record has further fueled suspicions among Madridistas that UEFA's choice might not bode well for their chances going into this critical fixture.

The scrutiny on Letexier is amplified by the fact that he is part of a fully French officiating crew, which could add another layer of pressure given Madrid's complex history with French officiating. As February 17 approaches, the focus will be on how Real Madrid not only performs against Benfica but also how they respond to the challenges posed by the officiating they believe could destabilize their efforts in this crucial European campaign.