Credit: AFPA EUROPA Conference League qualifier between Aluminij and Dinamo City was suspended after lightning and torrential rain forced players off the pitch in Slovenia.
Reports in Slovenia confirmed the second qualifying round clash at Ljudski Vrt was halted in the 55th minute after dangerous weather swept across the stadium.
Both teams, coaching staff and the match officials immediately retreated to the dressing rooms and tunnel as lightning strikes were detected in the area.
The visitors held a narrow 1-0 lead when play was stopped, with the weather making it unsafe for the match to continue.
Updates posted on X confirmed the suspension was caused by “adverse weather”, with heavy rain and lightning striking close to the ground.
Supporters inside the stadium were left waiting as officials monitored conditions before deciding whether it was safe for the game to resume.
Fortunately, the delay lasted only around 20 minutes.
A further update confirmed the match had resumed once the storm had passed over the stadium.
Dinamo City returned to the pitch still protecting their slender advantage over the Slovenian hosts.
The Albanian side had taken the lead after just 15 minutes when Hekuran Berisha capitalised on a huge defensive mistake.
Aluminij defender Dino Šimunić under-hit a back pass towards goalkeeper Florijan Radu, allowing Berisha to intercept before rounding the keeper and calmly slotting into an empty net.
It proved to be the only shot on target of the opening half as Aluminij struggled to create chances.
Reports in Slovenia also noted the hosts had failed to score in an official match for more than 500 minutes heading into the contest.
The dramatic weather delay came on a busy night of UEFA Conference League qualifying, with three Slovenian clubs all in European action.
But while Bravo battled Škendija and Koper took on Runavik, it was the clash between Aluminij and Dinamo City that was brought to a standstill by Mother Nature before eventually getting back underway.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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