​Previewing Chelsea’s 2026/27 campaign – without European football. Video Credit: Absolute ChelseaChampions League football is set to be played at Stamford Bridge during the 2026-27 season, but it isn’t Chelsea who will be the ‘home’ side.Shakhtar Donetsk have reached an agreement with Chelsea to play their home Champions League matches in west London, as the Ukrainian side has been unable to play at their stadium, the Donbas Arena, since 2014 due to the conflict in the Donbas region.They have since played their home matches in Lviv, Kharkiv and Kyiv, as well as the international games in Warsaw, Poland. In recent years, they have also played European ties in Germany and Slovenia.After qualifying for the Champions League in 2026-27, Shakhtar wanted one stadium for their group games, prompting talks with several clubs, including Chelsea, about hosting matches at their respective stadiums.Despite talks with fellow west London clubs Fulham and Brentford, Chelsea were selected as the preferred option, and the Blues have now been confirmed as the stadium Shakhtar has chosen to stage the European matches. A club statement read on Friday: “Subject to regulatory approvals, FC Shakhtar will play their home matches of the UEFA Champions League league phase at Stamford Bridge for the 2026/27 season.Chelsea added: “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.”Shakhtar expressed their gratitude to the Premier League side for hosting their European fixtures, adding: “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.”Chelsea acknowledge disappointment over it not being for themOnce the matches come around, it will be a bizarre feeling and sight for Chelsea and its supporters to see another club play in their absence at their home stadium.Chelsea can only blame themselves for on-pitch matters after their 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season, which cost them the chance to play European football this season.The club acknowledged the failure in the statement, admitting: “Given Chelsea FC’s disappointing 2025/26 season and failure to qualify for European football, the club is pleased to provide FC Shakhtar with the opportunity to play in London – the United Kingdom’s capital – for their Champions League campaign.”Chelsea are being paid an undisclosed fee to host the matches. They have also put tickets on sale to support