This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
On July 9, 2020, UEFA announced that the final eight of the Champions League in Lisbon would be played behind closed doors due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The decision affects not only the Champions League but also the Europa League and the women's Champions League final eight, which were scheduled to take place in Spain in August.
UEFA cited the protection of public health, the need to provide a safe environment for matches, and ensuring sporting fairness as reasons for the decision.
The governing body stated that the decision was made in agreement with national associations and authorities of the host countries, Germany, Portugal, and Spain.
UEFA also confirmed that all matches in the qualifying rounds of next season's European competitions would be played behind closed doors, with the exception of play-offs for the Champions League.
Regarding the last-16 games, UEFA decided to allow teams to play their matches in their own stadiums, rather than on neutral grounds as previously considered.
The remaining last-16 games will take place on August 7 and 8, with Juventus hosting Lyon, Manchester City entertaining Real Madrid, Barcelona facing Napoli, and Bayern Munich playing Chelsea.
The winners of these ties will join Atalanta, RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight, which will be played out in a unique final eight straight knockout format in Lisbon in August.
