Coronavirus Latest: Next Two Matchdays in Spain's Top Two Divisions to Be Played Behind Closed Doors

​La Liga has confirmed that all matches in the top two tiers of Spanish football due to be played on matchday 28 and matchday 29 will go ahead but behind closed doors as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The coronavirus has spread rapidly across the world, with Spain one of the countries to be majorly affected. With the number of cases continuing to rise as a result of the virus, governments have been looking to take precautionary measures. 

It was ​confirmed on Monday that Italy had suspended all sporting events until 3 April in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In Spain, Barcelona's second leg last-16 Champions League tie with Napoli ​will now be played behind closed doors. 

​La Liga has now confirmed in a statement that (at least) the next two gameweeks will be played in stadiums without supporters.

The statement reads: "According to information from the Higher Sports Council (CSD), LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank matches will be played behind closed doors, starting today and for at least the next two weeks.

"LaLiga will continue to be in permanent contact with the Ministry of Health and the CSD to meet its recommendations and / or decisions, putting the health of fans, players, club employees, journalists, etc. before the health crisis of COVID-19.

"For weeks, LaLiga has been working on alternative plans in coordination with UEFA to, in case the health authorities decree the suspension of any match, have a plan of dates to contest the matches within the established deadlines."

This means that ​Real Madrid's upcoming tussle with Eibar will be played at an empty Santiago Bernabeu on Friday, while ​Barcelona's away clash with Mallorca will also have no crowd. 

The following round of fixtures (matchday 29) will see Real Madrid take on Valencia at home, while Barça will be at home to Leganes.

With 11 gameweeks still to play before the end of the season, Barça lead Madrid by two points, while there is just five points separating third and seventh.

At the bottom of the table, Espanyol in 20th are six points from safety.