Aarhus and Baku were set to kick off the third round of qualifiers for the Champions League on Wednesday evening, but the match was delayed by 40 minutes due to chaotic traffic conditions. The Danish champions AGF Aarhus were scheduled to host the Azerbaijani club Sabah, with the game originally planned to start at 6:30 PM local time. However, delays caused by heavy congestion in the Danish city disrupted the schedule, forcing organizers to push back the start time to 7:10 PM. This delay allowed the visiting team, Sabah, sufficient time to prepare and warm up before taking to the pitch. The situation unfolded after the teams arrived at the stadium in Randers, where the initial setup was meant to begin at 6:30 PM. According to reports from Danish television station TV2, the primary cause of the disruption was the severe traffic jam that affected the movement of the away squad. Led by former Hajduk Split coach Valdas Dambrauskas, Sabah's players faced significant challenges in reaching the venue on time. As a result, officials decided to reschedule the match to accommodate both sides fairly. Sabah’s players were given additional time to acclimate to the environment, ensuring they could perform at their best during the encounter. The match took place in front of a packed stadium, with AGF providing a welcoming atmosphere for their opponents. The first leg of this tie will be remembered for its unusual circumstances, as logistical issues played a major role in shaping the day’s events. Valdas Dambrauskas, who previously coached Hajduk Split from November 2021 until September 2022, has since taken charge of Sabah. He joined the Azerbaijani club in 2025 and led them through the qualification process, defeating Welsh side The New Saints and Finnish club KuPS along the way. His presence on the sidelines added a layer of familiarity for fans in Croatia, many of whom recall his tenure at Hajduk. The second leg of the tie is scheduled for August 11 in Baku, where Sabah will have the opportunity to settle the score against AGF. The outcome of this match will determine which team advances to the next stage of the competition. While the first match was marred by external factors beyond the control of either side, the focus will now shift to the upcoming encounter, where both clubs will aim to secure their place in the tournament. As the teams prepare for their return fixture, the unique circumstances of the first leg serve as a reminder of how unpredictable football can be, even at the highest levels. Despite the unexpected delay, the match proceeded under fair conditions, with both sets of players able to complete their preparations. The challenge now lies in translating this experience into performance on the field, as the stakes remain high for both competing clubs.
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