Why Are Both Madrid Games Postponed?

By Anna Duncan

Why Are Both Madrid Games Postponed?

Football fans all over the world have been eagerly waiting for the two most anticipated matches in La Liga – Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Club Bilbao.

However, to everyone’s disappointment, both of these games have been postponed until further notice. But why did this happen? Here’s everything you need to know:

The COVID-19 Outbreak in Spain

Spain is currently facing a severe outbreak of COVID-19, with over 1.4 million confirmed cases and more than 40,000 deaths as of November 2020. The situation has become so alarming that the Spanish government has declared a state of emergency and imposed strict restrictions on public gatherings and movements.

The Impact on Football

Due to the pandemic, football matches across Europe have been affected significantly. In Spain, La Liga had already resumed its season last June after a three-month hiatus but was forced to play all fixtures behind closed doors without any spectators present in the stadiums.

However, with the recent surge in cases, many players and staff members of various football clubs have also tested positive for COVID-19. This has resulted in several games being postponed or rescheduled as a precautionary measure to contain the spread.

The Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo Match

The first game that was postponed was scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 21st – Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

The reason for this postponement was that several members of the Celta Vigo squad tested positive for COVID-19 before traveling to Madrid for the game. As a result, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had to postpone the match in accordance with La Liga’s COVID-19 protocols.

The Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Club Bilbao Match

The second game that was postponed was scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 22nd – Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Club Bilbao at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

The reason for this postponement was that one of the members of Athletic Club Bilbao’s coaching staff tested positive for COVID-19 during routine testing before the game. As a precautionary measure, La Liga and RFEF decided to postpone the match to prevent further spread of the virus.

Conclusion

While it is disappointing for football fans to see their favorite games being postponed, it is crucial to prioritize everyone’s health and safety during these challenging times. With Spain still struggling to control the pandemic, it is essential that all measures are taken to prevent further spread of the virus within football clubs and beyond. We can only hope that these games will be rescheduled soon and played under safer circumstances.