Fans and Piqué Shovel Snow to Save FC Andorra's Snowbound Match

Heavy snowfall blanketed the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp with up to 30 centimetres of snow early on Saturday, threatening to derail FC Andorra's LaLiga Hypermotion match against Cultural Leonesa, originally scheduled for 16:15.

LaLiga initially requested the Real Federación Española de Fútbol's competition judge to suspend and postpone the fixture, citing adverse weather and the intense storm Goretti. Grounds staff began clearing the pitch manually, as the fresh snow allowed for shovelling rather than heavy machinery on the delicate natural grass.

Both clubs and referee Saúl Ais Reig's team met and agreed to play if player safety could be ensured, potentially with a delay. Rescheduling for Sunday proved unfeasible: Cultural Leonesa face Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, with a return flight from Barcelona at 17:00 that day.

FC Andorra appealed to fans via social media, with owner Gerard Piqué joining the effort shovel in hand. Dozens responded, including locals like Alba, Nil and Ramon, turning the stadium into a hive of activity. Club workers, volunteers and maintenance teams toiled alongside them, using shovels, brooms and snow-clearing machines for sidelines and technical areas. Collaborators received free tickets.

LaLiga later approved the game for 18:30. Efforts continued to optimise the pitch, with around 20 people still working as kick-off neared. The collective push salvaged matchday 21, the first half's final round, after morning fears of cancellation.