La Liga matches to be played behind closed doors for 2 weeks

La Liga announced Tuesday that matches in its top two divisions will be played behind closed doors for the next two weeks due to intensifying concern over the spread of the coronavirus in Spain.

"According to information from the High Council of Sports (CSD), La Liga matches will be played behind closed doors, starting today (March 10) and for at least the next two weeks," read the league's official statement. "La Liga will continue to be in permanent contact with the ministry of health and the CSD to follow its recommendations and/or decisions, prioritizing the health of fans, players, club employees, journalists, etc., due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

"La Liga has been working on alternative plans in coordination with UEFA in case health authorities decide to suspend any match, creating a plan to play these matches."

Friday's tilt between Real Madrid and Eibar will be the first match impacted by the ban, which is expected to last until at least March 22. Barcelona confirmed Tuesday that their Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli, set for March 18 at the Camp Nou, will be played behind closed doors.

Madrid took measures Monday to limit the spread of the virus after cases in the Spanish capital almost doubled over a period of 24 hours. Total cases increased by about 200 from Sunday to Monday, while the number of deaths jumped from eight to 28, according to Bloomberg's Rodrigo Orihuela and Charlie Devereux.

Spain's national government and regional authorities in Madrid agreed to close all schools and universities beginning Wednesday.

Spain joins France in limiting fans at matches following Monday's announcement that attendance at Ligue 1 matches will be limited to 1,000 fans or fewer until April 16.

The Italian government, meanwhile, is combating the spread of the coronavirus by implementing nationwide travel restrictions and suspending all sporting events until April 3.