Shakhtar Donetsk will play their Champions League home matches this season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have announced, after agreeing to host the exiled Ukrainian club's European fixtures. Chelsea said in a statement: "FC Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year."
Shakhtar automatically qualified for this season's league phase by winning the Ukrainian Premier League last season, and will play at least four Champions League matches at the 40,044-capacity Stamford Bridge. The club had also been linked with playing their continental fixtures at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium before instead agreeing terms with Chelsea.
Shakhtar said in a statement: "Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar. We are grateful to Chelsea 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."
Shakhtar have been unable to play at their own Donbas Arena since abandoning it in May 2014 during Russia's occupation of the Donetsk region, and have used Lviv Arena, more than 700 miles away, for domestic fixtures ever since. Their European home matches have more recently been staged in Poland, Slovenia and Germany.