Shakhtar Donetsk to play Champions League matches at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge

Shakhtar Donetsk will play its 2026/27 UEFA Champions League home games at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge in London. The Ukrainian club announced the move, stating gratitude for the opportunity to host matches in such a "special place." This decision comes as Shakhtar cannot play at its home stadium, the Donbass Arena, due to the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The club has a history of relocating its home matches due to the conflict, which began in 2014. Previously, Shakhtar played in Lviv until 2017, then moved to Kharkiv's Metalist Stadium, and later to Kyiv in 2020. For international matches, clubs in Germany have also previously lent their stadiums to Shakhtar.

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We will play our UEFA Champions League 2026/27 home matches at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea has agreed to host the Ukrainian team, and the clubs will work together to ensure the matches are held safely. The specific opponents for Shakhtar in the Champions League league phase are yet to be determined, as 14 teams are still competing in playoffs.

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It is a special opportunity, we are grateful for the opportunity to host our matches in such a special place.