Jose Mourinho set for Stamford Bridge as Shakhtar Donetsk learn Champions League fixtures

Ironically, the arrangement was only made possible by Chelsea’s own miserable domestic campaign. Finishing 10th in the Premier League left the Blues completely without European football, freeing up midweeks at the Bridge and opening the door for Shakhtar to step in.

However, the Blues will take a slice of the revenue from the fixtures played at Stamford Bridge.

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Shakhtar Donetsk to face Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid

The Champions League draw handed Shakhtar Donetsk a massive set of fixtures for their temporary residency at Stamford Bridge.

Shakhtar will host four home ties in the new 36-team league phase against the likes of Sporting Lisbon, AEK Athens and Fenerbahce.

But the most eye-catching fixture will be when Shakhtar host Real Madrid, bringing Jose Mourinho back to the Stamford Bridge touchline. Having won three Premier League titles across two legendary stints at Chelsea, Mourinho returning to the Bridge will likely attract Blues fans.

When it comes to away fixtures, Shakhtar have been drawn to face Slovan Bratislava, RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan.

Shakhtar will play one match against each opponent according to the tournament format, with four games at home and four away, but the dates are still a few days away from being announced.

What we do know is that UEFA Champions League MD1 fixtures will take place on September 8–10 and the league phase will conclude on January 27, 2027.