/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F03%2Fimago1072933863-e1787913929817.jpg)
Stamford Bridge is set to host Champions League football this season despite Chelsea's absence from the competition, with Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk choosing the west London stadium as their temporary European home.
Shakhtar confirmed before the league-phase draw that they would stage their four home matches at Stamford Bridge, subject to UEFA approval, as they continue to play their fixtures away from Ukraine because of the ongoing war. Chelsea subsequently confirmed the arrangement.
The draw has now revealed the four opponents who will visit Stamford Bridge, creating a particularly intriguing list of fixtures for supporters in London.
Real Madrid will headline Stamford Bridge return
The biggest attraction will undoubtedly be Real Madrid, with Jose Mourinho set to return to the stadium where he became one of the most celebrated managers in Chelsea's history.
Mourinho returned to Madrid this summer for a second spell in charge and will now make another Stamford Bridge appearance, although he will be sitting in the away dugout rather than leading Chelsea.
Madrid's visit will also bring another familiar face back to west London, with former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella now part of the Spanish giants' squad.
For Chelsea supporters, Mourinho's return will be an especially nostalgic occasion given his two spells at the club and the success he enjoyed during his time in SW6.
Sporting and Fenerbahce also heading to west London
Shakhtar's other three home opponents are Sporting CP, Fenerbahce and AEK Athens.
The Ukrainian club were drawn against eight different opponents in the 36-team league phase, with Real Madrid, Sporting, Fenerbahce and AEK designated as their home fixtures. Their away matches will come against Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Slovan Bratislava.
That means Stamford Bridge could see a fascinating mixture of European supporters throughout the autumn, with the Turkish contingent for the Fenerbahce fixture potentially adding another layer of noise and colour to the stadium.
The exact dates and kick-off times are yet to be confirmed, with UEFA's league phase beginning in September and running through January. The competition features eight matches per team, with four played at home and four away.
The Blues are hoping to make a return to Europe next season with Xabi Alonso now in charge, and they kicked off the season in a positive way, picking up a 3-2 victory at Fulham in a West London derby.
FGG Says: Stamford Bridge gets Champions League bonus
Chelsea may not be in the Champions League, but Stamford Bridge will still get its share of European glamour.
Real Madrid's visit, in particular, gives the stadium a fixture worthy of the competition's biggest stage, while Mourinho's return should guarantee an emotional reception.
It is an unusual situation, but one that gives Stamford Bridge a fascinating European chapter of its own during the 2026-27 season.