The Ukrainian soccer champions Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home games in the Champions League in the Volksparkstadion of the second division club Hamburger SV. Both clubs announced this on Friday morning. The move became necessary because of the Russian war of aggression against the neighboring country.
In the past few weeks, those responsible for the eastern Ukrainian club have been looking intensively at possible alternative locations for their games in the “premier class”, in which they enjoy home rights. Last season, the 14-time champions played their home games in the Champions League and, after being eliminated there, also in the Europa League at the Army Stadium. However, the arena in Poland’s Metroploe Warsaw was no longer an option for the new series due to scheduling problems, so the decision now fell on Hamburg.
Donetsk waving duels with Manchester, Barcelona and Real Madrid
“After considering several options, we quickly decided on Hamburg as the venue. We are convinced that the matches will be played at the highest level in the Volksparkstadion and that both local football fans and thousands of Ukrainians who are currently temporarily living in Germany and other European countries, in the stands,” said Donetsk Commercial Director Dmytro Kyrylenko.
Which opponents Donetsk will receive on the Elbe will be decided on August 31st. Then the draw for the Champions League group stage will take place in Nyon, Switzerland. The Ukrainians can expect duels with top European clubs such as Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
The group games are for the 19./20. September, 3rd/4th October, 24./25. October, 7th/8th November, 28th/29th November and 12./13. scheduled for December.
HSV receives Revenue Share
HSV will generate additional income by moving Shakhtar to its arena. As the second division club announced, it will receive a share of the turnover for the provision of the stadium and its services. The Hanseatic League did not provide any details about the contract. You will take over the complete organizational implementation of the game days in the Volksparkstadion for the Ukrainians, as it was said.
“In terms of infrastructure and organization, we can offer Shakhtar the expertise and experience they need for the Champions League. The personal exchange quickly showed a common understanding and strengthened trust. We have to deal with the adversities that the Ukrainian champions and the country per se are struggling with made a special effort to be an adequate co-host because of our social responsibility in the city of Hamburg,” explained HSV board member Eric Huwer.
Champions League comeback in Volkspark after 17 years
The Volksparkstadion is celebrating its Champions League comeback after 17 years. The last “premier class” game in Hamburg to date was on December 6, 2006. Back then, HSV defeated CSKA Moscow 3-2 in front of 49,649 fans on the last matchday of Group G. However, the team coached by Thomas Doll had lost all of the previous five games, meaning that they clearly missed out on progressing to the next round.
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Hamburg Journal | 08/18/2023 | 6:00 p.m
