Football

Shakhtar Donetsk to Host UEFA Champions League Matches at Stamford Bridge, Home of Chelsea

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 21, 2026, 22:53 IST

Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine will host their Champions League home matches at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge during the 2026-27 season.

Shakhtar Donetsk to Host UEFA Champions League Matches at Stamford Bridge, Home of Chelsea

Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian football club, has reached an agreement to hold their home matches for the upcoming Champions League season at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. This arrangement comes as Shakhtar has been unable to utilize their home ground, the Donbas Arena, since 2014 due to the ongoing conflict following Russia's annexation of the Donetsk region. In the absence of their home stadium, Shakhtar has been playing domestic matches in Kyiv and Lviv, while their European games have taken place in various countries, including Germany, Slovenia, and Poland.

New Home for Champions League Matches

The decision to host their Champions League fixtures at Stamford Bridge is pending regulatory approvals. Chelsea, who did not qualify for European competitions last season, expressed their eagerness to provide Shakhtar and their supporters with a welcoming environment in London. In a statement released on Friday, Chelsea emphasized their commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for both the Shakhtar team and their fans during matchdays.

"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. They also mentioned their intention to collaborate closely with Shakhtar in the weeks leading up to the matches to guarantee safety and efficiency.

Shakhtar's Enthusiasm for the Partnership

Shakhtar Donetsk has expressed their appreciation for the partnership with Chelsea, having previously considered Brentford as another potential venue for their European home games. The club highlighted the significance of playing at Stamford Bridge, describing it as a "special opportunity." In their own statement, Shakhtar conveyed gratitude to Chelsea for allowing them to host their matches at such a prestigious location.

"Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere," Shakhtar noted. They expressed confidence that their matches in London would create unforgettable experiences for both Ukrainian and English fans alike.