On the road again
Shakhtar Donetsk is pulling off the ultimate road warrior act. Because they cannot host European games in Ukraine, the club is taking their Champions League campaign on the road—all the way to London. This week, they’re set to face AEK Athens at Chelsea’s iconic Stamford Bridge.
For head coach Arda Turan, this is more than just a venue swap. It’s a mission. "It’s an iconic stadium but it’s not our home," Turan said. Despite the logistical nightmare of crossing borders and dealing with air raid sirens that disrupt their training sessions back in Ukraine, the squad is showing major main character energy.
The grind is real
The travel schedule is brutal. We're talking 18-hour trips, endless bus rides, and last-minute administrative headaches caused by local infrastructure being taken offline by Russian attacks. Director of sports management Vitaliy Khlivnyuk admits it’s getting harder, noting that the mental exhaustion is starting to pile up after years of living in a state of constant displacement.
But the vibes stay high where they can. Young star Kaua Elias, one of the club's many talented Brazilians, keeps it 100: "Before I came here I didn’t know about this travel situation, but it’s just something we have to do. It’s normal now." The team relies on their close-knit group to handle the stress, even hosting regular churrasco cook-outs to stay connected.
Why it matters
Shakhtar Donetsk isn't just playing for points; they’re playing to prove they’re still standing. By taking their "home" games to elite European venues, they are keeping their footballing identity alive under impossible circumstances. It’s a massive W for their resilience, even if the road to get there is lowkey exhausting.
