Gil Manzano, survivor and jinx

Jesus Gil Manzanothe Spanish referee chosen for European Cupis the only representative in the field appointed by UEFA in six second leg semi-finals this week in all three European competitions: Champions, Europe and Conference.

The Extremaduran referee whistled tonight for the semi-final of European League in between Atalanta and Olympique Marseille. A real final as it was wide open after a 1-1 draw in the first leg on French soil.

This will be their sixth meeting in Europe this season. Two of them in Champions, two more in the Conference and this will be the second in the Europa League. The quarterfinal duel of Meeting in between Fiorentina and the Victoris Plzen. In a season where the Extremaduran referee has been several days without a whistle due to the controversy at the Mestalla between real Madrid and Valencia.

Atalanta have never won with Gil Manzano

This is the third time he has scored against the Italians and so far they have not won with Gil Manzano. The defeat was in the group stage of Champions when they lost 4-0 to Dinamo Zagreb. The tie was 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund in the intermediate round of European League 2017-2018.

It was the fourth time he whistled against the French with two losses and one win. The last time ended in defeat against the Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the group stage last season. The victory was at home 2-1 against Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2020-2021 group stage. Martínez Munuera and Hernández Hernández They are in VAR.

This is the second semi-final called by the Extremaduran referee in Europe. Last season he was able to be appointed for this tie. In this case in the Champions League and after a great season in the top continental competition. In fact, he was in charge of calling the rivalry between Milan and Inter, the Italian derby, which culminated in the passage of the Inter club to the grand final.