Borussia Moenchengladbach didn’t let the wet weather dampen their spirits by channelling the spirit of Iceland following the postponement of their scheduled UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City.
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The two teams were due to meet in their first game of the group stage phase on Tuesday, but torrential rain in Manchester led to the match being cancelled half an hour before the expected kick-off time.
“The game could have gone ahead as the pitch was draining well but the thunderstorm presented a danger to supporters” explained Borussia’s, Rainer Bohnhof.
One glimpse is all you’ll need to see why UEFA took the extraordinary step of postponing a Champions League game.
Heavy rain at the Etihad Stadium. The Argentine global missed the derby victory through suspension, but is free to play in European fixtures despite having two domestic games remaining on that ban.
The rain eased off as kick-off approached and the pitch appeared playable, but City announced at 1825 GMT that the match had been called off “on safety and security grounds”.
In the city centre there were reports of flash flooding, while Metrolink tram services were suspended and Manchester Airport was unable to accept incoming flights for a short time.
The game is likely to be played on Wednesday night, weather permitting.
Recent precedent would suggest the game would be played on Wednesday.
“We are disappointed for the fans because 90 percent of them will probably not be able to watch the re-arranged game”, said Moenchengladbach midfielder Oscar Wendt.
“The decision about the kick-off time tomorrow will be given today but after nine o’clock”, he said.
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“But if the decision had to be taken for safety reasons then we understand it and respect it”.
