Stamford Bridge is set to host Champions League football once again this season, but in a surprising twist, it will not be Chelsea taking to the pitch for Europe's elite competition. The Premier League giants have reached an agreement to host Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk for their continental home fixtures.
Stamford Bridge is prepared to welcome back the Champions League anthem this season, but in a surreal twist, it will not be for Chelsea. Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk are in advanced negotiations to use the iconic West London venue as their temporary home for Europe’s premier club competition.
Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk could play their home Champions League fixtures in England next season after launching exploratory talks with a Premier League club. The ongoing conflict in their homeland has forced the displaced side to evaluate alternative European venues, with London emerging as a strong potential destination.
Senegal international Ismaila Sarr has written his name into the history books by scoring the fastest Conference League goal ever. The Crystal Palace forward needed mere seconds to break the deadlock during his side's semi-final first-leg encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan has heaped praise on AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, labelling the midfielder a "special" talent destined for the very top of the game. Despite his side securing a 3-0 victory in the Conference League quarter-finals, the Turkish manager was left awestruck by the youngster's ability to dictate the tempo of the match against his team.