Shakhtar Donetsk to play Champions League matches at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge will host Champions League football this season — though not with Chelsea taking part. The west London club has confirmed that Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk will use their ground for home fixtures in Europe’s premier club competition during the 2026/27 campaign, reports BritPanorama.
An agreement between the two clubs was finalised this week following discussions that began back in July. Brentford’s Gtech Stadium had also been explored as a potential venue before Stamford Bridge was ultimately selected.
This arrangement represents a remarkable opportunity for Stamford Bridge, a venue with a storied history in European football. Shakhtar have endured a prolonged exile from their purpose-built Donbas Arena, having been forced to abandon the stadium when Russian forces invaded Crimea in 2014. More than twelve years on, the Ukrainian club remains unable to return.
Shakhtar’s nomadic existence has seen them seek temporary homes across Europe. Over the past three seasons, they have struck arrangements with clubs in Germany and Poland. Now, they find themselves at one of football’s iconic stages, situated in the heart of London.
Chelsea expressed their readiness to accommodate the Ukrainian visitors. “FC Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year,” the club stated, adding that they would work closely with Shakhtar’s staff to ensure matchdays proceed “safely and smoothly.”
The Donetsk club shares a significant history with Chelsea, most notably highlighted by Mykhailo Mudryk’s transfer in 2022, which remains Shakhtar’s most lucrative sale. A spokesperson for Shakhtar remarked, “Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar,” underlining the significance of this arrangement.
As anticipation mounts for next week’s Champions League draw, fans will be eager to discover which of Europe’s elite sides will visit west London to contest matches at this unique venue.
