Fog of War: TV Viewers Left Squinting as Thick Mist Descends on Albacete vs Real Madrid Cup Tie
A dense fog at Carlos Belmonte Stadium made the first 20 minutes of the Copa del Rey clash between Albacete and Real Madrid nearly unwatchable on television.
The opening stages of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash with Albacete turned into a proper pea-souper, with television viewers struggling to follow the action as thick fog descended on the Carlos Belmonte Stadium.
Visibility Nightmare
As soon as the match kicked off, a blanket of fog rolled in across the pitch, making it virtually impossible for the telly audience to keep track of proceedings for the first 20 minutes. The situation was particularly dire whenever the ball ventured to the far touchline, disappearing completely from view.
Interestingly, while we at home were left squinting at our screens like we’d had a few too many shandies, the players and officials on the pitch weren’t having quite the same trouble. The elevated position of the main camera was the real issue, sitting right in the thickest part of the fog.
White Ball Blunder?
The decision to stick with the standard white ball certainly didn’t help matters. Despite conditions crying out for the high-visibility orange alternative (which was ready and waiting on the touchline), the referee opted against making the switch even as visibility worsened.
Perhaps he was thinking the fog would do one quickly, or maybe he just fancied giving the viewers at home a proper challenge!
Clear Skies Return
Fortunately for all concerned, the atmospheric drama was relatively short-lived. Around the 22-minute mark, the fog began to lift, and normal service resumed for the television broadcast.
By that point, many Madrid fans watching at home had probably been left wondering if they were seeing things clearly - not unlike their reaction to some of Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical decisions this season!