Who is Daniele Orsato, the referee for Manchester City - Real Madrid

The Italian official is a seasoned pro at the elite level, and the stakes are high in England’s northwest.

Manchester City and Real Madrid played out a fascinating 3-3 draw at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu last week, meaning that the pressure is high as the two teams face off in the second leg, this time at the Etihad (KO Wed 17, 3 p.m. ET/ 12 noon PT.).

Ahead of the game, the refereeing decisions have been made and seasoned official Daniele Orsato will be the man with the whistle in Manchester.

Orsato was born in Vicenza and has been a UEFA referee since 2010. Before becoming a referee, he worked as a coach. The 48-year-old has a wealth of experience at this level, and has overseen more than 50 Champions League games in total with 5 coming this season already.

In terms of bookings and red cards, Orsato is not one to send players off. In all his Champions League games he has only sent off 8 players, with just 2 coming as straight red offences.

Orsato also has plenty of experience on the international level, with the semi-final between Argentina and Croatia a particular standout. Josko Gvardiol will be hoping for a better night than he had then...

The Champions League quarter-final clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid will be played on Wednesday 17 April 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET/ 12 noon PT.

You follow our live-text commentary right here on AS USA which will get going around 90 minutes ahead of kick-off, before providing you with minute-by-minute commentary of the action as it unfolds, as well as all of the fallout in the huge clash of European heavyweights.