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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Ben Hayward

LaLiga matches moved behind closed doors for 'at least' two weeks amid coronavirus fears

LaLiga ​will be played behind closed doors for at least the next two rounds amid the threat of coronavirus, the competition confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Barcelona announced that their Champions League last-16 second-leg game against Napoli next week will be closed to fans and LaLiga followed suit shortly afterwards.

"According to information from the National Sports Council (CSD), LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank will play behind closed doors from today and for at least the next two weeks," LaLiga said.

"LaLiga will remain in constant contact with the Ministry of Health and the CSD to address their recommendations and/or decisions, prioritising the health of amateurs, players, employees of clubs, journalists, etc. in the face of the health crisis of COVID-19."

The statement also went on to say there is a plan in place if authorities decide to suspend matches at any time.

"For weeks, LaLiga has been working on alternative plans in co-ordination with UEFA, in case the health authorities decreed the suspension of any match," they said.

Tuesday's Champions League clash between Valencia and Atalanta at Mestalla and Getafe's Europa League game at home to Inter Milan next week will also be played behind closed doors.

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