Pitch turns into pool, halts RB Salzburg-Pafos tie

A sudden deluge turned the Salzburg stadium into a shallow lake, forcing officials to pause the RB Salzburg-Pafos encounter just minutes after kickoff. The 3rd preliminary round of the Liga Europa was left hanging as players waited for the water to recede.

The interruption lasted almost two hours, with referees unable to continue while the surface remained unplayable. Officials cited the rapid accumulation of water as the reason for the extended halt.

By the time work began, the pitch resembled a pool more than a football field, with standing water covering large sections of the grass. Spectators could see the water reflecting the stadium lights, a surreal backdrop for a European competition.

When play finally resumed, RB Salzburg broke the deadlock, scoring the only goal of the match. The Austrian side secured a 1‑0 victory over Pafos, restoring order to the disrupted fixture.

That narrow win leaves Salzburg with a minimal advantage heading into the second leg, meaning the tie remains finely balanced. The result underscores the importance of the upcoming return match for both clubs.

The fixture formed part of the 3ª preliminary round of the Liga Europa, a gateway for clubs aiming to reach the group stage of the competition. Both teams now look to build on the outcome as the tournament progresses.

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