The draw for the league phase of the 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League has pitted Real Madrid against Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk, a match that will bring Portuguese coach José Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge, this time representing the Ukrainian club.
Shakhtar Donetsk is scheduled to host Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's home ground, after the Ukrainian club selected the London stadium to play its designated home matches in this season's Champions League, pending final regulatory approvals.
Stamford Bridge holds special memories for Mourinho, who previously managed Chelsea during two spells and achieved numerous successes with the London side, most notably winning the English Premier League title three times.
Earlier, Shakhtar announced its choice of Chelsea's stadium to host its European matches, taking advantage of the London club's absence from continental competitions during the 2026-2027 season.
In recent years, Shakhtar has been compelled to play its European matches outside Ukraine due to security conditions, hosting games in various cities including Hamburg in Germany and Warsaw in Poland.
The draw gives Mourinho an opportunity to return to Stamford Bridge once again, but this time wearing the jersey of the royal club against Shakhtar, who will host the match at Chelsea's historic stadium.
