Shakhtar Donetsk to play Champions League ties at Chelsea this season | OneFootball

Stamford Bridge will host European football this season after all, despite Blues failing to qualify

Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home Champions League matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium during the 2026/27 season.

The Ukrainian side have not played a match at their usual home stadium, the Donbas Arena, in over 12 years due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

They have since groundshared with a number of clubs across Europe, including in Germany and Poland, and this year will stage their home Champions League matches in west London at Stamford Bridge.

Talks have been ongoing between the clubs for some time but an agreement was reached this week. Brentford’s Gtech Stadium was also under consideration.

Chelsea finished tenth in the Premier League last season, failing to qualify for Europe and leaving their home ground available for most midweeks.

A Chelsea statement confirmed: “Given Chelsea FC’s disappointing 2025/26 season and failure to qualify for European football, the club is pleased to provide FC Shakhtar with the opportunity to play in London - the United Kingdom's capital - for their Champions League campaign.

“Shakhtar have played in cities across Europe, including Hamburg in Germany and Warsaw in Poland. This coming season, FC Shakhtar will play in London at Stamford Bridge.”

A Shakhtar spokesperson added: “Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar. We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club for the opportunity to host our games at this special venue.

“Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere. We are convinced that Shakhtar’s matches in London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans.”

The Champions League draw, where Shakhtar will learn who they will face at Stamford Bridge, will take place next week.

Shakhtar won the Ukrainian Premier League last season, pipping runners-up LNZ Cherkasy by 12 points to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League league phase.

They also reached the semi-finals of the Conference League, where they were beaten 5-2 by eventual champions Crystal Palace over two legs.