Alex MacQuoid
UEFA have confirmed that an all-Italian officiating team will oversee Wednesday night’s blockbuster Champions League showdown between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium. The match will be refereed by Marco Guida, one of Italy’s most seasoned officials and a familiar name within UEFA’s elite pool.
Who Is Marco Guida?
Guida, 44, has gradually become a regular fixture in the Champions League rotation. This season marks a personal milestone: the Italian has already refereed three Champions League fixtures — including Tottenham’s recent 0–0 draw with AS Monaco — and Wednesday’s clash will become his busiest UCL campaign to date. His previous high was also three matches during the 2023/24 season.
While experienced domestically in Serie A, Guida remains relatively new to high-profile knockout-level Champions League nights. With both Arsenal and Bayern entering Matchday 5 with perfect 4-0-0 records and level on goal difference at +11, this could be one of the most significant assignments of his UEFA career.
Guida’s Previous Matches With Arsenal & Bayern
Guida has refereed each side once — with contrasting outcomes. Arsenal endured a disappointing 2–1 defeat at Lens in 2023 under his supervision, a result that briefly derailed their early UCL momentum. Bayern, however, cruised to a 5–0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv in a 2021 group stage encounter that Guida handled without incident.
While those matches weren’t as high-stakes as this week’s meeting, they offer a small sample of how both clubs have fared under his watch.
The Stakes for Matchday 5
Arsenal and Bayern are two of only three teams still boasting a perfect record in the Champions League this season. Someone’s run ends on Wednesday — unless both sides drop points for the first time. With qualification and top-spot implications on the line, Guida’s performance will undoubtedly be under the microscope.
Given the tactical intensity and the margins expected in this matchup, the officiating team’s ability to manage tempo, contact, and VAR interventions will play a critical role.
Full Match Officials
Referee: Marco Guida (ITA)
Assistant Referees: Filippo Meli (ITA), Giorgio Peretti (ITA)
Fourth Official: Fabio Maresca (ITA)
VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA)
AVAR: Marco Di Bello (ITA)
What to Expect
Guida is known for allowing a physical match while staying firm in the penalty area — a combination that could influence both sides’ aggressive attacking styles. With VAR support from fellow Italians, expect a tightly controlled but flowing match unless early challenges force the referee into disciplinary action.
This is a high-pressure assignment for Guida, and his decision-making will inevitably shape one of the most compelling fixtures of the Champions League group stage.