Jose Mourinho is set to walk the Stamford Bridge touchline once more — this time as manager of Real Madrid, after the Spanish giants were drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

The Ukrainian club, unable to host matches on home soil due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have reached an agreement to use Stamford Bridge as their designated home venue for European fixtures in the 2026/27 season.

Why Stamford Bridge?

Shakhtar have staged their continental home games at various neutral venues in recent years, including grounds in Poland and Germany. The switch to London was made possible by Chelsea's absence from European competition this season, leaving the west London ground available throughout the campaign.

The first fixture between Real Madrid and Shakhtar at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8.

A sentimental return for Mourinho

Mourinho returned to Real Madrid this summer for a second managerial stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, having previously managed the club. His connection to Stamford Bridge, however, runs far deeper — he spent two celebrated spells in charge of Chelsea, delivering three Premier League titles, three League Cups, and an FA Cup to the club's trophy cabinet.

It was at Chelsea that Mourinho famously introduced himself to the world during his 2004 unveiling, declaring himself