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Heavy rainfall is putting Manchester United's Champions League fixture against Como on Wednesday in serious danger of being called off.
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains," Ebby Calvin 'Nuke' LaLoosh, portrayed by Tim Robbins, tells a journalist in the beloved baseball film Bull Durham.
No matter how much importance is placed on this sport and this competition, everything ultimately bows to the forces of nature. The Italian Air Force Meteorological Service (Meteo AM) issued a warning on Wednesday of "locally intense" rainfall across the Lombardy region, where Como sits nestled alongside its famous lake. Simon Peach of the Press Association reported the possibility of 2.5 inches of rain falling before the 6:45 p.m. local time kickoff (12:45 p.m. ET, 9:45 a.m. PT).
The prospect of thunderstorms presents an additional concern flagged by the Meteo AM, one that could carry even greater consequences than the rainfall itself. Modern playing surfaces feature advanced drainage systems designed to prevent waterlogging. Nevertheless, the danger of players or spectators being struck by lightning inside a metal-framed stadium is something officials treat with the utmost seriousness.
During this summer's World Cup held across North America, multiple matches were held up due to lightning threats; England's round of 16 encounter with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca was notably delayed by an hour, forcing supporters of the Three Lions back home to stay awake into the early hours to witness a memorable win. Those making the trip to Como will also encounter difficulties, even if the match is given the green light.
Como vs. Man Utd Buildup
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An Uneasy Wait for Fans
"We're used to the rain," Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, who has far bigger concerns to deal with, said dismissively. "We'll make the most of it!" The supporters, however, may not share his relaxed attitude.
Beyond the uncertainty of whether the weather will have the final word, those filing into the Giuseppe Sinigaglia will still have to endure the harsh conditions. Only the central Tribuna section has a roof, leaving the other three stands fully exposed to the elements.
What Would Happen If Champions League Game Is Postponed?
UEFA's rulebook states that any postponed Champions League fixture must be rescheduled for the following day.
"If it is decided on the day of a match that the match cannot start or cannot be played in full, the full or remaining match time is, as a rule, played the next day, without prejudice to any possible disciplinary measures," Article 27 reads. "For that purpose, the home clubs must conclude all the necessary agreements to ensure that the required facilities are available and can be operated."
United's next scheduled game is a home Premier League meeting with Bournemouth on Sunday, which would in theory leave Thursday open for a rearranged fixture — though the Cherries are themselves due to play their Europa League tie against AC Milan on that day. All parties involved would strongly prefer to avoid any last-minute reshuffling.