Stamford Bridge is hosting Champions League football this season despite Chelsea missing out on European competition.
However, it is not the Blues who will be playing under the lights in west London, with Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk using the stadium for their home fixtures instead.
The arrangement gives Chelsea supporters the chance to see Europe's biggest club competition at their own ground, but there is a much bigger story behind why the Ukrainian side have chosen London for their European campaign.
Which fixtures Shakhtar Donetsk are playing at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League
Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin has explained why the club chose Stamford Bridge, with the decision going beyond simply finding a suitable stadium.
The Ukrainian side have been unable to play at their home ground, the Donbas Arena in Donetsk, since 2014. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has made the situation even more difficult, forcing Shakhtar to play their European matches in different countries across Europe.
Palkin believes playing in London gives the club an opportunity to keep Ukraine in the public eye during a difficult period for the country.
"We are representing our country and want to be visible for Ukraine," he explained, via ESPN.
London also has a significant Ukrainian community, making it a suitable location for Shakhtar to connect with supporters living away from home. The club considered other venues, including Brentford and Fulham, before agreeing to play at Stamford Bridge.
Palkin also believes the opportunity to play at a famous ground such as Stamford Bridge can provide extra motivation for Shakhtar's young players.
The Ukrainian side's Champions League group phase fixtures at Stamford Bridge will be the following:
AEK Athens — 14 October 2026
Sporting Lisbon — 3 November 2026
Fenerbahce — 25 November 2026
Real Madrid — 27 January 2027
Agreement a non-commercial one
The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League last season — missing out on European football altogether — leaving their stadium available for European fixtures.
Chelsea have confirmed the arrangement with Shakhtar, with the club agreeing to help ensure matchdays run smoothly.
According to ESPN's sources, the agreement is non-commercial in nature, but Shakhtar hope to attract an average of 30,000 supporters across their four selected matches.
The club are also planning activities for Ukrainians living in exile, including open training sessions and visits to schools. Their shirts will carry the message "Invest in Ukraine" during the Champions League campaign.
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