Shakhtar Donetsk to host Champions League matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge

Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home matches in this season’s Champions League at Stamford Bridge, after Chelsea offered the London stadium to the Ukrainian champions.

Shakhtar have been unable to stage fixtures in their home city because of the war in Ukraine. The club have therefore continued to play their home matches at venues outside Donetsk, and will now use Chelsea’s ground in London for their European campaign.

Chelsea confirmed the arrangement in a statement on their official website, saying: “Given Chelsea’s disappointing 2025/26 season and failure to qualify for European competitions, the club is pleased to give Shakhtar the opportunity to play in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, in the Champions League.”

The statement added: “Shakhtar have previously played in different European cities, including Hamburg in Germany and Warsaw in Poland. Next season, Shakhtar will play their matches at Stamford Bridge in London.”

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League at the end of last season, a position which meant they did not qualify for European competition this season. Their lack of continental fixtures has allowed the club to make Stamford Bridge available to Shakhtar.

Shakhtar expressed their gratitude to Chelsea and described the move as a significant opportunity for the club.

“Playing our home matches in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar,” the Ukrainian club said. “We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club for giving us the chance to host matches at this wonderful stadium.”

They continued: “Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world, with a rich history and a passionate atmosphere. We are confident that Shakhtar’s matches in London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans.”

The arrangement means Shakhtar’s nominal home fixtures will be played in west London rather than in Ukraine. The club have previously had to move their European matches between cities because of the continuing impact of the war.

Shakhtar qualified directly for the Champions League league phase as domestic champions and will not have to go through the qualifying rounds. They are scheduled to play eight matches in the league phase, with four designated as home games at Stamford Bridge.

The club’s most significant European achievement came when they won the UEFA Cup in the 2008-09 season. That remains Shakhtar’s standout success in European competition.

Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea’s home since the club was founded and is one of the best-known stadiums in English football. This season, however, it will also provide a temporary London base for Shakhtar as the Ukrainian side begins another Champions League campaign away from Donetsk.