Shakhtar fight back to beat AEK 3-1 at Stamford Bridge

Shakhtar Donetsk came from behind to beat AEK Athens 3-1 in the Champions League on 14 October.

The Ukrainian side trailed 1-0 before hitting back with three goals. The match was played at Stamford Bridge in London, BBC Sport reported.

Stamford Bridge is best known as the home of Chelsea. It is acting as Shakhtar's home in Europe this season. The club will play its home matches in the league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League there, Chelsea FC confirmed in August.

The league phase is the opening stage of the competition. It works as a mini-league, with each team playing several opponents to collect points and reach the knockout rounds. Europe's leading clubs all start here.

AEK struck first on the night. Shakhtar had to chase the game. They stayed patient and found a way back into it.

Then came the late surge. Shakhtar scored twice in the closing stages to turn a tight contest into a clear win. The two goals came in the space of six minutes on 14 October, according to VAVEL. That burst settled it. Comebacks need nerve. Shakhtar held theirs.

The team had prepared for the tie in London. Shakhtar trained in the city on 12 October, then held an open training session ahead of the AEK game on 13 October, according to the club's newsroom. The build-up was short and focused. The payoff was full points.

The night drew a strong Shakhtar turnout. Thousands of the club's supporters were in the stands at Stamford Bridge, theScore reported. They made a borrowed ground feel familiar.

London has a large Ukrainian community. For many, this was a short trip to back a team from home. They were loud when Shakhtar needed them most, then louder again as the late goals went in.

What makes this stand out is the setting. Shakhtar have spent years playing home European ties away from Donetsk. To open a new Champions League campaign with a win, in front of their own fans in another city, carries real feeling. AEK pushed them hard after taking the lead. Shakhtar finished stronger.

Shakhtar now have three points from their opener. AEK leave London with nothing despite going ahead. It was a win built on patience, timing and a six-minute finish.