Jesus Gil Manzano to referee Aston Villa vs Bologna Europa League clash

Jesus Gil Manzano to referee Aston Villa vs Bologna Europa League clash

Profile of the referee

Born on 4 February 1984, Jesus Gil Manzano has risen from regional tournaments to become one of Spain’s most respected match officials. He stepped onto the La Liga stage for the first time on 25 August 2012, taking charge of a Málaga‑Mallorca encounter. Since that debut, he has overseen hundreds of top‑flight games, earning a reputation for composure under pressure.

His résumé includes several marquee moments. In September 2018, after a 2‑2 draw between Barcelona and Girona, Lionel Messi famously refused to shake his hand, a flashpoint that highlighted the intense scrutiny referees endure at the elite level. Earlier, during the 2013‑14 Copa del Rey quarter‑final, he was forced to manage an unprecedented situation when Racing de Santander walked off the pitch after just one minute against Real Sociedad.

Beyond domestic duties, Gil Manzano has gathered valuable international exposure. He was selected for the 2021 Copa América in Brazil, where he supervised three matches, including a quarter‑final between Uruguay and Colombia. He has also officiated high‑stakes derbies in Greece, such as the February 2019 PAOK‑Olympiacos clash that ended 3‑1.

His consistency did not go unnoticed; the Spanish referees’ union awarded him the Vicente Acebedo Trophy for the 2017‑18 season, recognizing his outstanding performance across all competitions.

What to expect for the Villa‑Bologna showdown

Aston Villa are making a long‑awaited return to European football, while Bologna aim to cement their place in the group stage. Both sides will be keenly watched, meaning the referee’s ability to keep tempers in check will be vital. Gil Manzano’s track record of handling controversial moments suggests he is well‑suited to the task.

The officiating crew accompanying him is entirely Spanish. Assistants Ángel Nevado and Guadalupe Porras Ayuso will patrol the touchlines, while José Luis Munuera will serve as the fourth official. Video decisions will be overseen by VAR specialist César Soto Grado, with Carlos del Cerro Grande acting as the Assistant VAR.

Fans can anticipate a tightly managed match where key decisions—penalties, offsides, and disciplinary actions—will be scrutinized. Gil Manzano’s experience in high‑pressure environments should help ensure that the focus remains on the football rather than the officiating.

• Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
• Assistant Referees: Ángel Nevado, Guadalupe Porras Ayuso
• Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera
• VAR: César Soto Grado
• Assistant VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande