Turpin, the referee of the controversy: What does the record in the Atlético-Barça Champions League say?

The French referee, designated for the second leg of the quarterfinals, has a strong history with both Spanish giants.

UEFA has set its eyes on Clement Turpin to direct the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League between the Atlético de Madrid and the FC Barcelona. The match, which will be held this Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on Movistar +, will feature one of the most experienced referees on the continent, a 42-year-old Frenchman who already has his name etched in the recent history of the competition.

Turpin is no stranger to the big stage. In fact, he was in charge of blowing the whistle for the Champions League final of the 2021-2022 season, a match that saw the real Madrid raise the 'orejona' after beating Liverpool by the minimum. That match, however, was marked by controversy surrounding Vinícius Júnior's goal, whose initial offside was a topic of debate, especially due to Karim Benzema's light previous touch after a Fede Valverde cross.

For this crucial confrontation in the top European competition, Turpin will be supported from the VAR room by his compatriot Jerome Brisardthus guaranteeing top-level technological supervision for a match of such magnitude.

Clément Turpin's journey with the FC Barcelona It goes back to five previous meetings. The most recent, a vibrant 3-3 in Montjuïc against Inter Milan in the first leg of the semifinals of the last Champions League, a match where his performance was not decisive in the final result. However, other precedents resonate more strongly in culé memory.

We remember the 3-0 against Roma in the second leg of the 2017-2018 Champions League quarterfinals, a match that sealed Barça's painful elimination. He also refereed the 3-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the 2019-2020 group stage, the 1-0 against Dinamo Kyiv in the 2021-2022 group stage, and the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in the second leg of the 2022-2023 Europa League playoff, a match that meant Barcelona's exit from said competition.

Barça's overall balance under Turpin's leadership ends with two wins, one draw and two losses. A history that, although not overwhelmingly negative, does present moments of great disappointment for the Blaugrana fans.

For his part, the Atlético de Madrid He also has considerable experience with the French referee. In eight games coached, the red and white team has reaped three wins, three draws and two losses. Turpin has been present at key moments of the current season for the colchoneros, such as the 3-2 victory against Club Brujas in the second leg of the play-offs.

Previously, Turpin refereed Atlético in the 2-0 victory against Vitoria Guimaraes in the 2011-2012 Europa League preview. He also directed the 1-0 in Munich against Bayern in the group stage of the 2016-2017 Champions League, the 1-1 at home against Arsenal in the first leg of the 2017-2018 Europa League semifinals, and the 1-1 at home against Bayern in the 2020-2021 Champions League group stage.

Other notable matches include the 1-3 in Porto in the 2021-2022 league, the 2-2 in Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2022-2023 group stage, and the most recent, the 2-1 at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2024-2025 Champions League round of 16. Atlético's record with Turpin is, therefore, more balanced, although defeats have also been present.

Turpin's appointment adds another ingredient of expectation and possible controversy to an already tense duel. The French referee's ability to manage pressure and remain calm in a match of this magnitude will undoubtedly be a factor to watch carefully.

History teaches us that Champions League matches between teams of the caliber of Atlético and Barça are rarely easy, and the presence of a referee with such a relevant track record for both clubs only promises to increase the drama and excitement on the pitch.

The question that resonates among fans is clear: Will Turpin be a referee who makes the difference, for better or worse, in this crucial match for a place in the Champions League semifinals?

The answer, as always in football, will only be dictated by the final whistle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Clément Turpin and what is his experience?

Clément Turpin is a 42-year-old French referee, considered one of the best referees in Europe and part of the list chosen for the 2026 World Cup. He has whistled the final of the 2021-2022 Champions League.

How many times has Turpin refereed FC Barcelona in the Champions League?

Turpin has refereed FC Barcelona five times in the Champions League.

What is the balance of FC Barcelona with Clément Turpin as referee in the Champions League?

Barça's record with Turpin is two wins, one draw and two losses.

How many times has Turpin refereed Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League?

Turpin has refereed Atlético de Madrid eight times.

What is the balance of Atlético de Madrid with Clément Turpin as referee?

Atlético's record with Turpin is three wins, three draws and two losses.

Who will assist Turpin in the VAR?

Turpin's compatriot Jerome Brisard will assist in the VAR.

What important match did Turpin referee recently?

He refereed the 2021-2022 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool.