Coronavirus: Valencia vs Atalanta Champions League second leg set to be played in empty stadium

Getafe versus Inter Milan is also expected to be contested with no fans present

Atalanta won the first leg against Valencia 4-1 (Getty)

Valencia and Atalanta’s Champions League last-16 second leg on 10 March is set to be played in an empty stadium in an attempt to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Spain’s Health Minister Salvador Illa recommended on Tuesday that sporting events in Spain with a high expected attendance from zones designated as high-risk for coronavirus, such as northern Italy, should be held behind closed doors.

As a result, the Europa League last-16 first leg between Getafe and Inter Milan on 19 March is also expected to be played without fans in attendance.

Last weekend, five Serie A fixtures were postponed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy.

Inter Milan versus Juventus, a key battle in the league’s title race, was among those matches affected.

Reuters contributed to this report