Former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is set to return to Stamford Bridge in the coming months after joining Real Madrid as Los Blancos' Champions League campaign comes to London
Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella will be more familiar than most with Stamford Bridge(Image: Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Marc Cucurella looks set for a swift return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Chelsea to join Real Madrid this summer. The Spaniard and his Los Blancos team-mates will make the trip to west London, albeit not to face the Blues.
Another ex-Chelsea figure, Jose Mourinho, will guide his team against Shakhtar Donetsk in familiar territory. The Ukrainian team have been unable to use the Donbas Arena since 2014 after the Russia-backed annexation of Crimea, and the more recent Russian invasion has seen them play European matches outside of the nation altogether.
For their four home matches in the league phase of the Champions League, Shakhtar will be based in London, having previously played home games in cities such as Hamburg and Warsaw, while domestic football is hosted in cities such as Kyiv and Lviv.
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Upon announcing the decision to set up shop at Stamford Bridge, FC Shakhtar said: "Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar. We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club for the opportunity to host our games at this special venue.
"Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere. We are convinced that Shakhtar's matches in London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans."
And following the Champions League draw, Shakhtar are set to face Real Madrid, Sporting CP, Fenerbahce and AEK Athens in west London. There will be no shortage of familiar faces.
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Cucurella only left Chelsea a matter of months ago, completing a £51.7m move to Real Madrid in June. Following his exit, he said: "Hi Blues, after four seasons together, it's time to say goodbye. I have had some time to reflect and remember what we have lived together.
"I arrived here as a young lad with the dream of winning many trophies and playing in the Champions League. We had a tough start, it's true, but with hard work and effort we were able to turn it around.
"Thanks to this club and its high expectations today, I can honestly say that London will always be my home and you will always be part of my story. I won't forget listening to my song at the stadium, the magical nights at the Bridge, the titles that I've won carrying this badge and all the love that you showed me.
"I now leave the club being a man. I've reached a lot of my dreams thanks to you and I want to thank you all for that. To the coaches and staff for all the advice that you gave me, to my teammates, for all that we have lived together and I won't forget.
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"To all the people working at Cobham for making me feel like I was at home from day one. I truly hope to see Chelsea up, where [they] belong and deserve to be. Once a Blue, always a Blue."
Like Cucurella, Mourinho and Antonio Rudiger are likely to have strong memories of Stamford Bridge when they made their return with Real Madrid. Fenerbahce will also see a number of ex-Chelsea stars return to their former home ground.
N'Golo Kante is sure to get a strong response when he takes to the field, while Nathan Ake might get a hint of nostalgia upon his return. Romelu Lukaku may receive a frostier receptions given his tumultuous second spell with Chelsea.