Conference League clash suspended after only 12 MINUTES after torrential rain leaves enormous puddles on the pitch

A Europa Conference League match between Rijeka and Sparta Prague was suspended after just 12 minutes when torrential rain left the pitch unplayable.

The League Phase clash in Croatia was halted with the score at 0-0 as a downpour turned the Stadion HNK Rijeka surface into a pool of standing water, with puddles forming across the pitch.

Referee Sandro Scharer called the game off after consulting with both captains as conditions worsened. Players struggled to control the ball as waterlogged areas made passing and movement impossible.

Footage showed huge splashes with every touch of the ball, while supporters in the stands sought cover as the storm intensified.

The Croatian hosts thought they had taken the lead in the ninth minute when Toni Fruk found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

Moments later, the heavens opened and the play became farcical as standing water spread rapidly across the surface.

A Europa Conference League match between Rijeka and Sparta Prague was suspended after just 12 minutes

Referee Sandro Scharer called the game off after consulting with both captains as conditions worsened

Players struggled to control the ball as waterlogged areas made passing and movement impossible

Ground staff attempted to clear the excess water with rollers and brushes, but the referee was left with little choice but to suspend the match as conditions deteriorated further.

According to reports in Croatia, UEFA will confirm a new restart time once the pitch is deemed playable.

The washout came in the second round of group fixtures, with Rijeka still searching for their first points after losing to Noah in their opening match. Sparta had beaten Shamrock Rovers 4-1 in their first game and traveled to the Croatian coast looking to make it two wins from two.

The suspension means the Czech side’s traveling supporters now face an extended stay in Rijeka as organizers assess whether the game can resume later in the evening or be rearranged entirely.