Spain: Games against Italian teams to be played without fans

By: The Associated Press Posted: 2:05 PM CST Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2020 Last Modified: 2:06 PM CST Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2020

MADRID - Spanish authorities said Tuesday that major soccer games involving Italian teams will be played in empty stadiums because of the coronavirus outbreak, including the second leg between Valencia and Atalanta in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

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This article was published 03/03/2020 (2406 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MADRID – Spanish authorities said Tuesday that major soccer games involving Italian teams will be played in empty stadiums because of the coronavirus outbreak, including the second leg between Valencia and Atalanta in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Spain’s Health Ministry said the Europa League game between Getafe and Inter Milan in southern Madrid on March 19 will also be played without fans. The first leg will be on March 12 in Italy.

The Valencia match against Atalanta will be played at Mestalla Stadium on March 10. Atalanta won the first leg 4-1 in Italy.

Atalanta's Hans Hateboer, right, scores his side's opening goal during the Champions League round of 16, first leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Valencia at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

A Spanish journalist who regularly covers Valencia was believed to have been infected with the virus during the trip to Italy for the first leg.

The club eventually suspended all media access to its coaches and players, keeping them from speaking to journalists in news conferences and mixed zones before and after matches.

A couple of basketball games between Spanish and Italian clubs this month also will be played in empty venues.