Daniele Orsato

Why did referee Daniele Orsato break down after the Champions League semi-final?

Sportsdunia Desk

Even with Borussia Dortmund walking into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against PSG with a 1-0 lead, few gave the German side a chance. Yet, in a rip-roaring, end-to-end feast of a football game, both sides gave it their all with PSG the slightly better side. But despite dominating on the xG, the French side hit the crossbar several times and failed to score.

Dortmund, on the other hand, played their cards beautifully with a sensational showcase of counter-attacking football and managed to score a goal through veteran defender Mats Hummels. The German’s second half goal added to Dortmund’s lead and sent them through to the final. It marks the first time in 11 years that Dortmund have been in the Champions League final.

Daniele Orsato set to retire at the end of Euro 2024

However, while the post-match focus was on Borussia Dortmund and their celebrations, many wondered why referee Daniele Orsato was spotted tearing up. The Italian referee has been in the job for over 10 years and was lauded for his performance in the second leg. But his actions post-game had many confused although it was finally revealed that Orsato was retiring.

The 48-year-old is set to retire at the end of Euro 2024 but the second-leg semi-final clash was his last Champions League game as a referee and thus he got emotional. Orsato has had an impressive career, with him being voted as the best referee of the year in 2020. Not only that, the Italian has overseen more than a few big games over the years with him refereeing the Champions League final in 2020.

Furthermore, he also refereed several games at the 2022 World Cup including the opening match and the semi-final, and has been a consistent presence in the Serie A.

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