RateTheRef

Thanks edy.

There were a few early fouls which enabled Michael Oliver to show some authority and then there was a period when there were very few infringements or the tempo allowed advantage to be played.  Overall, it was an entertaining game with plenty of attempts and just a few spells when play was a bit scrappy.

I can't recall the missed YC edy mentions but there were several what struck me as 'tactical' fouls by Atalanta in the last 10 minutes who no doubt were anxious not to concede a second goal to Valencia which could have changed the balance of the tie.

Interesting point about positioning. I've noticed in the P/L this season that not just Oliver but other senior refs such as Atkinson and Taylor have sometimes appeared too close to the ball.  I did wonder whether in trying to read the play and anticipate where a pass would go, referees have moved towards the middle of the field
expecting a pass for example to the far side of the pitch where the AR is only to find the player in possession has reversed play and moved towards the nearside.  I'm probably wrong and haven't explained it very well anyway!