Martin Atkinson to ref Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final first-leg against fierce rivals Atletico

MARTIN ATKINSON has been handed Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first-leg derby between Real Madrid and Atletico at the Bernabeu.

The Bradford referee, 46, will oversee two of Europe’s fiercest rivals as they bid to face Monaco or Juventus in the final at Cardiff on June 6.

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Atkinson sent off Manchester United‘s Marouane Fellaini for a headbutt against neighbours City in last week’s 0-0 Premier League draw.

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And he has taken charge of Champions League games for nine years, including Real’s clash with FC Zurich in his first season.

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He has already refereed the 2011 FA Cup final, the League Cup final three years later, World Cup qualifiers and at Euro 2016.

Uefa confirmed Atkinson’s Bernabeu appointment for Tuesday on Sunday afternoon.

Ligue 1 top dogs Monaco host runaway Serie A leaders Juventus on Wednesday.

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