CHELSEA did not qualify for the Champions League this season, but Stamford Bridge will still play host to Europe’s top competition as Shakhtar take over West London.
The have agreed a deal to host their ‘home’ games at the Blues’ home.
Shakhtar were held to a in their opening game of the season – Sergino Dest equalised for the Dutchmen after Gleiker Mendoza’s opener.
Now, they head to London for their first ‘home’ game, where they are hoping to play in front of around 30,000 fans.
Why are Shakhtar playing their Champions League home games at Stamford Bridge?
Shakhtar are from the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, but they haven’t played at the Donbas Arena since 2014.
Due to security reasons amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Shakhtar needed somewhere else to play their home Champions League fixtures.
Since the 2022 invasion, the Ukrainian champions have played their ‘home’ games in Poland, Germany and Slovenia.
Over the past three seasons, they played their at German sides Hamburg and Schalke, as well as Poland’s Wisla Krakow.
After discussions with and Fulham, they ended up choosing Stamford Bridge as their base for this season.
Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin said that Stamford Bridge gives the club the best opportunity to show that Ukraine remains “alive” during a difficult period.
Palkin went on to say: “There are a lot of Ukrainian refugees and a lot of Ukrainians living here.
“London is the football capital of the world. It’s the biggest marketplace for players.
“For our young players to play at this level in a legendary stadium like provides extra motivation and can bring positive results.
“I first contacted Behdad Eghbali (Chelsea co-owner) and said: ‘What do you think about this idea – playing Champions League matches in your stadium?’
“The reaction was positive. Step by step, it became a reality. Chelsea were very professional.”
Talks between the clubs , as the Ukrainians were forced to when Russian troops invaded Crimea and a war broke out in the region in 2014.
Upon the announcement, Chelsea said: “FC Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year.
“We will be working with the Shakhtar team closely over the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays run safely and smoothly for their team and supporters.”
