Gala game abandoned

Posted Wednesday, December 11, 2013 by PA

Tuesday night's winner-takes-all Champions League encounter between Galatasaray and Juventus was abandoned after only 33 minutes with the game goalless due to a severe hailstorm in Istanbul.

The Italian champions needed to avoid defeat at the Turk Telecom Arena to book second place in Group B and progression to the knockout stages, while a Galatasaray victory would have seen Roberto Mancini's men safely through to the last 16.

Snow and hail began to seriously affect play after about 20 minutes and the game was ultimately suspended in the 33rd minute following discussions between UEFA delegates, Pedro Proenca's refereeing team and both sets of players.

A statement published on the official UEFA Champions League Twitter account read: "The #UCL fixture between @GalatasaraySK & @juventusfc has been abandoned after a snow storm caused the pitch to become unplayable.

"According to article 11.04 of the competition regulations, the remaining match time must be played either tomorrow or on a reserve date or other date set by the UEFA administration."

Juventus had enjoyed the better chances of the interrupted clash in Turkey and Fernando Llorente missed a gilt-edged chance to put the Serie A side ahead in the 16th minute.

At the end of a swift counter-attack, the Spanish striker found himself in a good position in the Gala box to control Arturo Vidal's cross before flicking it just wide of a post.

Former Juve midfielder Felipe Melo had earlier tested goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from distance while Selcuk Inan sent a free-kick wide of the visitors' goal before the snow began to fall.

Groundsman attempted to clear snow from the lines marking the pitch but the weather showed no signs of abating and brought an early end to proceedings.

Gala were level on four points with FC Copenhagen going into Tuesday night's fixtures but have a better goal difference against the Danes, who were hosting already-qualified Real Madrid in the other group game.