Chelsea clash vs. Atlético officially cannot be played in Spain – Manager has new location preference

Chelsea’s upcoming Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid will have to be played outside of Spain due to Coronavirus restrictions.

That’s what AS report today, stating that the two ‘great options’ are for the game to be played in Bucharest or Genoa.

Chelsea’s first leg clash of their last sixteen clash was set to take place at the Wanda Metropolitano on February 23^rd, but Spain’s Council of Ministers have extended restrictions on flights from the United Kingdom until March 2^nd.

Thus, Chelsea will not be allowed to enter the country, and so Atlético have had to make alternative arrangements for the tie.

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They met with UEFA yesterday to discuss the issue after it became ‘impossible’ for them to hold the tie in their own stadium.

The club, and specifically Simeone, would prefer to play the game in the National Stadium in Bucharest because it ‘bring him the best memories’ after winning the Europa League final against Athletic Bilbao there in 2012.

The other option is Genoa, which is seen as an ideal location due to its proximity in terms of travel time. Ferando Fariza, the director of the Atlético’s ‘social area’ is in charge of finding an alternative stadium.

The two options are there, though, with a decision needed sooner rather than later as clubs across Europe scramble to get their games to go ahead.