Atletico vs Chelsea has become the latest Champions League match to be moved to a neutral ground, with UEFA confirming that the first leg will be played in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.
The round of 16 showdown between Los Rojiblancos and the Blues, scheduled for February 26, was set to commence at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. However, due to Spanish regulation barring travel from the UK, the first leg tie had to be rearranged.
Warsaw was an option, but the Spanish Primera Division leaders ended up deciding on the Arena Nationala in Bucharest as the venue. Both the date and kick-off time remain unaltered.
"UEFA has confirmed that Chelsea's Champions League Round of 16 first leg match away against Atletico Madrid and will now be played at the Arena Nationala in Bucharest in Romania," the statement on Chelsea's official website read.
An important update on our @ChampionsLeague last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid...
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 10, 2021
"The date of the match, Tuesday 23 February, and the kick-off (8pm UK time) will remain the same."
This leg isn't the only round of 16 match to be rearranged due to COVID-19. Man City's trip to Borussia M'gladbach faced a similar issue and has now been moved to Budapest, with the Hungarian city also hosting RB Leipzig vs Liverpool.
The same is true for Arsenal's Europa League clash with Benfica and Man Utd's showdown with Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League. The Red Devils will travel to Turin instead of Spain for their away tie vs La Real while the Gunners will face the Eagles first in Bucharest then Rome.
