FC Barcelona will face Feyenoord in their Champions League opener with a new referee in charge. German official Sven Jablonski, aged 36, will officiate the Wednesday match at 18:45 at the Spotify Camp Nou, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. This game marks not only Barcelona's debut in this edition but also Jablonski's first European match of the season and his first time refereeing the Catalan club in the premier continental competition.
The Blaugrana arrive at this fixture in excellent form, sitting top of La Liga with 12 points from four consecutive wins. Their record of 17 goals scored and just 2 conceded reflects a strong start to the season, putting them two points clear of Alaves. However, Hansi Flick's team faces this challenge with several key absences, including Eric García, Frenkie de Jong, Jesse Bisiwu, and Roony Bardghji, whose status is detailed on the injuries list.
Who is Sven Jablonski?
Sven Jablonski is a German referee with experience in European competitions, though he has never officiated a Barcelona match in the Champions League before. His career includes matches involving Spanish teams, such as Villarreal's 1-0 loss to Pafos, and he has also refereed the Spain U-19 national team. At youth level, he has even taken charge of Real Madrid matches in the Youth League.
His history with Dutch clubs is limited. This Wednesday will be his first time refereeing Feyenoord in the Champions League, though he has prior experience with AZ Alkmaar and Ajax. Bastian Dankert, another German official, will serve as the video assistant referee (VAR) for the match at Camp Nou.
What does Hansi Flick's debut mean?
This match holds special significance as it will be Hansi Flick's first official Champions League game in charge of Barcelona. The German manager, who arrived this summer, has the opportunity to make his competition debut with a home victory. The context is favorable, with the team displaying effective, attacking football in the league-something he will want to translate to the European stage.
The squad, despite the injuries, maintains high morale following their flawless domestic start. Fans can check the full lineup and team status on the squad page. The next La Liga fixture is an away trip to face Levante on September 13th, a team currently tenth in the standings.
How is Barcelona shaping up for the match?
Barcelona approaches the start of the Champions League group stage with the confidence that comes from leading the domestic league. Their four-win streak, with a +15 goal difference, is their best credential. However, the team must adapt to the absence of key players in midfield and defense.
The injury to Frenkie de Jong, in particular, presents a challenge for building play. The schedule is demanding, with this Champions League match followed by a trip to Valencia to face Levante. The sequence of matches is available on the fixtures page.
The match against Feyenoord is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 at 18:45 at the Spotify Camp Nou.
