Barcelona to host Napoli in empty stadium because of virus

Posted March 10, 2020 7:00 am

The Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Barcelona's Champions League match against Napoli will be played in an empty stadium because of the coronavirus outbreak, the club said Tuesday.

The Spanish club said no fans will be allowed in to watch the match at Camp Nou on March 18. The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg in Italy.

Tuesday's Champions League game between Valencia and Atalanta in Spain also will be played in an empty stadium. Two Europa League matches in the country also have been affected - Sevilla vs. Roma on Thursday and Getafe vs. Inter Milan on March 19.

Spain's health minister on Monday announced a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in and around Madrid, and said all schools in the region will close for two weeks from Wednesday. There were more than 1,200 confirmed cases in Spain on Monday, with 28 deaths and 74 people in intensive care.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A Barcelona fan wears a face mask in an attempt to protect there self from the coronavirus uses his mobile prior a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, March 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.