A Ukrainian at the Parc des Princes
Four Champions League matches in three years. That is the whole European top-level résumé of Mykola Balakin, and UEFA has just handed him Paris Saint-Germain-Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday at 21:00 at the Parc des Princes.
The Ukrainian is 37. He has never taken charge of PSG.
He does know French football from a distance. On 5 October 2023, he officiated Olympique de Marseille-Brighton in the Europa League. That remains his only meeting with a Ligue 1 club in European competition.
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PSG begin their defence
The setting gives this opener some extra weight. Paris arrive as reigning double European champions. Luis Enrique’s men put the trophy back on the line from Wednesday.
The opposition should not cause too many headaches. Slovan Bratislava remain a second-tier side on the continental stage, and Paris are at home for their first outing.
The appointment fits that reading. UEFA tends to reserve its most seasoned officials for tighter, higher-stakes fixtures. PSG-Slovan does not sit in that bracket.
What to watch
For bettors, an unfamiliar referee at this level is a statistical unknown. Four Champions League matches gives you nothing usable on card or penalty markets.
The sporting picture matters more anyway. Paris start a league phase of eight matches, with every point shaping the final table. The first one is on Wednesday.
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