Matches in Spain’s top two divisions will be played behind closed doors for at least the next two weeks because of coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 more than doubled from Sunday to Monday in Spain, rising from 589 to 1,204. The death toll also jumped by 20 from eight.
The Decision
Spain’s government has taken the decision to remove fans from LaLiga Santander and LaLiga Smartbank matches for the 28th and 29th matchdays in the top division and the 32nd and 33rd in the second tier.
La Liga acted on guidance from Spain’s ministry of health and the country’s sports council.
Barcelona’s Champions League match against Napoli on 18 March will also be played at an empty Nou Camp.
Real Madrid will be most affected by the measure as they have two home matches during this period, first against Eibar on Friday, then against Valencia the week after.
All other LaLiga Santander sides will only have one home match over the two matchdays.
