Bayern's champions league opener to be played behind closed doors against Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich’s next three games including their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid will be played behind closed doors. The following three matches at the Allianz Arena will also be played without the spectators due to the coronavirus concerns. 

The European Champions will begin their title defense against the Spanish side next Wednesday on the 21st of Oct, 2020. The cause of concern is the sudden rise of COVID-19 in Munich recently, with 4,058 cases recorded on October 8 from 2,503 a week prior. 

Bayern Munich confirmed on Friday that due to a ruling from the city’s authorities, fans will not be permitted to attend games until October 25. 

Bayern’s DFB-Pokal game against Duren Merzenich and Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt will also be affected. The coronavirus spike has caused fear among several officials as the numbers have been on the rise and the next Bayern match fans can hope to attend will be against Werder Bremen on November 21. 

The 2020-21 season of Bundesliga kicked-off with the grounds allowing 20% stadium capacity acquiring home fans. However, the recent circumstances have led to the German Football League (DFL) regulations take some prompt action, and the first of which is restricting fans if the seven-day infection rate surpasses 35 per 100,000 people. 

The legendary German club was the treble winners in the 2019-20 season and their new season’s beginning was another dismantling performance against Schalke, beating them 8-0. The team went on to beat Sevilla 2-1 after extra time in the UEFA Super Cup before a surprising 4-1 loss away to Hoffenheim. 

Bayern came back strongly as they beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in the DFL-Supercup, followed by a 4-3 victory against Hertha Berlin prior to the international break. 

Times are difficult as the Portuguese talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo recently tested positive for COVID-19, and thus, players all around the world need to be more vigilant to avoid another suspension of the leagues. 

Measures are being taken constantly but even the slightest mistakes can become brutal if the regulations or guidelines are not followed properly. 

Featured image credits- en.as.com