Why has El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona been postponed and will it start again?

El Clasico, the highly anticipated pre-season friendly match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, was suspended due to thunderstorms. Play lasted 30 minutes before match officials called time as conditions worsened, though it is now back underway.

“The rain is falling much more intensely now,” as reported Manu de Juan reported during the storm that caused the suspension. “It’s quite something, how hard it’s falling.”

The weather forecast for New Jersey indicated heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the evening. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch, warning of possible strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning. This watch is in effect until late evening, coinciding with the scheduled kickoff time of 7:00 PM local time, though it is now pushed back.

Will the game restart?

Lightning strikes within a diameter of 8 miles mean play has been suspended. The game can only be resumed after 30 minutes without a lightning strike within the aforementioned diameter.

As such, the gap in thunder strikes means play can resume. We will let you know if something changes.