Chelsea discover path to Club World Cup glory after tournament draw

Chelsea will face Al Hilal, Al Jazira or Auckland City for a place in the Club World Cup final.

As the Champions League winners, the Blues enter the competition at the semi-final stage with Monday’s draw revealing their path to glory.

The competition was originally due to be held in Japan this winter before being moved to the UAE, with the matches to be scheduled for early next year.

The first round sees UAE host team Al Jazira face Oceania’s nominated club, Auckland City, before entering Chelsea’s half of the competition.

The winner will face Saudi Arabia’s Asian Champions League holders Al Hilal in the second round, with the victor taking on Chelsea.

Coached by former Monaco boss Leandro Jardim, the side boasts ex-West Brom winger Matheus Pereira, former Porto forward Moussa Marega, and Peruvian international Andre Carrillo in their ranks. Ex-Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis captains the team.

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In the other half of the draw, Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras await Mexico’s Monterrey or African champions Al Ahly in their semi-final.

Chelsea are out to win their first Club World Cup trophy after falling to Corinthians in the 2012 final in Japan. Since then, the European team has won every edition of the competition including holders Bayern Munich.