La Liga referee Cesar Soto Grado to take charge of Ħamrun Spartans vs Dynamo Kyiv in Champions League

Spanish referee Cesar Soto Grado will officiate next Tuesday’s highly-anticipated clash between Ħamrun Spartans and Dynamo Kyiv.

The Maltese champions will host the Ukrainian side in the UEFA Champions League Q2 first leg, at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 7pm).

Soto Grado took charge of 21 La Liga games in the 2024/2025 season including Barcelona’s title-winning match against neighbours Espanyol on May 15. He was also the referee in February’s Madrid derby between Real and Atletico at the Bernabeu and Barcelona’s 7-1 win over Valencia, back in January.

He will be aided by Carlos Alvarez Fernandes and Ruben Besseril Gomez as assistant referees and Victor Garcia Verdura as fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee will be Valentin Gomez, assisted by Miguel Sesma Espinosa – all from the Spanish federation.

Dynamo lose friendly

On Wednesday, Dynamo Kyiv played their last pre-season friendly, losing 1-0 to Croatia’s Osijek.

Watch: Highlights of Dynamo Kyiv 0-1 Osijek.

The Ukrainian champions played multiple friendlies during their training camp in Austria including against Denmark’s Midtjylland, losing 3-1 and against West Bromwich Albion (1-1).

Coached by former Ukraine goalkeeper Oleksander Shovkovskyi, Dynamo will open their title defense in Ukraine on August 2 when they face Veres in an away match.

Meanwhile, the club presented their new kits – a home white kit and an away blue kit, produced by New Balance with a design inspired by Kyiv, its graffiti culture, the rhythm of the streets and the long-standing support of its fans.

Their logo will feature a third star, commemorating the 30th league title which they won unbeaten in 2024/2025.