Premier League
Shakhtar Set for Stamford Bridge Champions League Move as Chelsea Ground Takes European Spotlight
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Shakhtar Donetsk are set to use Chelsea's Stamford Bridge as their home venue for Champions League matches during the 2026/27 season, bringing European football back to west London even though Chelsea themselves will not compete in Europe this campaign.
[The Standard +1]
The Ukrainian champions have been forced to play their European home matches away from their traditional base because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Stamford Bridge is now set to provide a new London home for their Champions League campaign.
Why Shakhtar need a new European home
Shakhtar have not been able to play at the Donbas Arena in Donetsk since 2014.
The club have subsequently used venues in several countries for European fixtures, including Poland, Germany and Slovenia.
[The Standard +1]
Their decision to move to Stamford Bridge gives them a major London venue capable of hosting Champions League football while also putting the club closer to a significant Ukrainian community in the capital.
Stamford Bridge gets Champions League football anyway
The move creates an unusual situation for Chelsea.
The Blues failed to qualify for European competition this season, meaning Stamford Bridge was initially set to be without Champions League football.
Instead, Shakhtar's arrival will allow the famous stadium to host Europe's premier club competition despite Chelsea's absence.
[The Standard]
Chelsea's own schedule confirms that their 2026/27 campaign contains Premier League and domestic cup fixtures, with no European competition listed.
A significant partnership for both clubs
The arrangement is also a natural fit given the relationship between the two clubs.
Shakhtar have previously had links with Chelsea through the transfer of players, while Stamford Bridge hosted the Game4Ukraine charity match in 2023.
The London venue also offers Shakhtar the opportunity to play in front of Ukrainian supporters living in the capital.
European nights return to Stamford Bridge
For Chelsea supporters, there is an interesting twist.
They may not get to watch their own team in the Champions League this season, but Stamford Bridge could still stage several major European nights.
Shakhtar qualified for the Champions League after winning the Ukrainian league title last season, and their league-phase campaign begins in September.
[The Standard]
The club's decision to settle at Stamford Bridge therefore gives the historic London stadium another connection with European football.
Chelsea may have missed out on Europe — but Champions League football is still coming to Stamford Bridge.
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