Why are Shakhtar playing Champions League games at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge?

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Shakhtar Donetsk will host AEK Athens in the Champions League on Wednesday but the game will be played nearly 1,700 miles from their Ukraine home.

Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's home stadium, will act as Shakhtar's home ground for their European fixtures this season.

ESPN breaks down why that's happening...

Why are Shakhtar playing at Stamford Bridge?

Shakhtar are based in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk.

But they haven't played at their home ground, the Donbas Arena, since 2014. This year, amid security reasons due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, they were seeking a stadium for their four home fixtures in the league phase of the Champions League.

Shakhtar have recently played 'home' European fixtures in Poland, Slovenia and Germany and were linked with using Brentford's stadium this season, but ended up agreeing to play at Stamford Bridge.

FC Shakhtar said: "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 2021 UK census states that approximately 19,000 Ukraine-born people live in London.

How does it affect Chelsea?

Chelsea have no European fixtures this season after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season.

The Blues even cited their "disappointing 2025-26 season and failure to qualify for European football" as part of their reasoning to welcome Shakhtar.

A Chelsea statement 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."

What matches will Stamford Bridge host?

Chelsea were owned by Roman Abramovich

Chelsea were formerly owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

He was forced to sell the club after 20 years in 2022 under pressure from UK government sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Where do Shakhtar play home domestic matches?

Shakhtar have largely played their 'home' matches in the Ukrainian league at the Lviv Arena, which is 600 miles from Donetsk, since 2014.