Following their narrow 2-1 defeat in Prague last week, Paulo Fonseca’s squad faces a daunting task: secure a two-goal margin or risk the agony of extra time—or worse, an untimely exit. To ensure a flawless officiating performance, European football’s governing body has placed its trust in a seasoned professional. At 45, Szymon Marciniak brings unmatched experience to Décines. The Polish referee, fresh from officiating the 2022 World Cup final, steps onto the pitch with the poise of a man who has mastered the art of handling high-stakes continental clashes.

A mixed legacy for Lyon

This appointment will stir memories among supporters, as it marks Marciniak’s fifth appearance in a Lyon fixture. While his most recent outing ended in a painful 5-1 loss at Camp Nou in 2019, he also presided over a hard-fought Europa League victory against Ajax (3-1, 2017)—a result that ultimately fell short of progression. His other encounters with Lyon saw narrow defeats to Juventus (0-1, 2016) and Viktoria Plzeň (2-1, 2014).