Maximum risk: the reason why Real Madrid vs Juventus could be suspended

Real Madrid and Juventus of Turin have worked tirelessly over the past few days in preparation for their round of 16 match. Both squads from the European football elite face an important challenge if they want to be in the quarterfinals, but that match could be suspended temporarily due to an external circumstance.

The country where this Club World Cup is being held is the United States. Although it is also summer in that part of the world, some locations where matches are scheduled are at serious risk of thunderstorms and other adverse weather conditions. In light of these setbacks, FIFA is closely monitoring the skies.

There doesn't seem to be any problem for the Real Madrid-Juventus of Turin match, which will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, to be played. However, the latest weather reports warn of a circumstance that could completely change the course of the match.

During the match, which kicks off at 3 p.m. in the United States, there has been up to a 45% chance of thunderstorms. FIFA has no doubts, as has already been seen in other group stage matches... and even in knockout rounds like the one between Chelsea and Benfica.

It's hanging in the air

If the situation during the clash between the white sports discipline and the bianconera squad becomes unsustainable for the standards of the International Federation, the match could well be suspended. If the designated referee makes that decision, both teams will experience a 30-minute stoppage.

The goal of that protocol set by FIFA in the event of a thunderstorm is to avoid fatal outcomes on the field. Real Madrid has already played in the rain, as happened in the clash against RB Salzburg, but on that occasion there was no real risk of thunderstorms.

In any case, the hours leading up to the match between Real Madrid and Juventus of Turin are passing normally for both teams. FIFA is keeping a close eye on the weather report for 3 p.m., when the match will be played according to the local time zone, with the goal of making a decision if necessary.

Setting that issue aside, the coaching staff led by Xabi Alonso continues to work on preparing its players to the fullest. The clash against Juventus of Turin is the first major test of the new sports project, so the aim is to achieve a result that justifies the praise received so far.