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Jose Mourinho is poised for an unexpected visit back to Stamford Bridge after Real Madrid were drawn to face Shakhtar Donetsk in this season's UEFA Champions League.

The Ukrainian champions have chosen Chelsea's home stadium as the venue for their European matches in 2026/27.

Shakhtar have had to stage their designated 'home' fixtures thousands of miles away from their own country because of the continuing conflict in Ukraine, which makes it impossible to host international matches there.

After previously using temporary bases in Poland and Germany during recent European campaigns, the Ukrainian club have now agreed to play their Champions League matches in London this year.

That decision has been possible because Stamford Bridge is not being used for European football this season after Chelsea failed to qualify for any continental competition.

The match, scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, creates a West London return for Mourinho, who went back to Real Madrid this summer for a second spell as manager at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Portuguese coach remains one of the most celebrated figures in Chelsea history after two separate spells in charge of the club. During his time in SW6, he won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three League Cups, and famously introduced himself as 'The Special One' at his unveiling in 2004.

Even after going on to manage several other clubs across Europe, Mourinho has regularly spoken about his lasting affection for Chelsea.

"When I am in London, I meet them every day on the street. I know that is going to be a relationship forever," Mourinho had said earlier while speaking about his connection with the supporters. "They belong to my history and I belong to their history. I will always be a Blue."

Although Mourinho will be in the technical area as Real Madrid manager against Shakhtar, his presence on the touchline at Stamford Bridge is expected to be the main talking point of the night. For Chelsea fans, seeing their former manager back on that pitch under the Champions League lights, even in the opposition dugout as happened last season with Benfica, is certain to bring back plenty of emotions.