Feb. 23 Atletico Madrid-Chelsea match moved to Romania

As Spain tightens travel restrictions to contain coronavirus, UEFA names new match venue

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – European football’s governing body has relocated a Champions League match later this month to Romania from Spain due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

"UEFA is able to officially confirm that the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Chelsea FC will now be played at the Arena Nationala in Bucharest,” it said in a Wednesday statement, adding that the match date and kickoff time – Feb. 23 at 21.00 CET (2000GMT) – remain unchanged.

The match had been scheduled to be played at Atletico Madrid's home, Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

UEFA gave no details about the second leg.

Amid surging COVID-19 deaths, Spain has tightened travel restrictions.

UEFA's top-tier Champions League will return with a knockout stage next week after the usual mid-season break since December.

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