The Pride of London
Fansided

Chelsea’s Monday recap: Ballon d’Or, Club World Cup and more!

By Gabe Henderson

The Ballon d'Or award is displayed prior to the 2021 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on November 29, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
The Ballon d'Or award is displayed prior to the 2021 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on November 29, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. Club World Cup fate

The Club World Cup has been on the minds of a lot of Chelsea fans ever since the Blues captured their second Champions League trophy back on May 29. It’s a tournament that the club has yet to win in its storied history, so while it may not be the most important competition on the upcoming fixture list, it’s still a trophy. There was uncertainty facing the competition earlier this year with host nation Japan pulling out. Nevertheless, the competition goes on with a slight delay. Instead of being played mid-December, the FIFA Club World Cup will now take place in early February (3-12) in the United Arab Emirates.

Chelsea will enter the competition at the semifinal stage. However, supporters will want to pay attention to the tournament from day one. Al Jazira takes on Auckland City on February 3 with the winner advancing to match three. There, either the Abu Dhabi club or the New Zealanders will square off against Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia.

Why are these games important though?

The Blues will be anxiously awaiting the winner of match three (Al Hilal SFC versus Al Jazira/Auckland City) as that club represents their semifinal opponent. Brazilian giant Palmeiras is the other team entering the Club World Cup in the semifinals, along with Chelsea. It will take on the winner of Al Ahly SC and Monterrey for a spot in the final. The final—which the Blues will presumably be playing in, barring a meltdown of epic proportions—will be played on February 12.

There were two matches for that period already scheduled (Brighton on Feb. 8 and Arsenal on Feb. 12) but both of those Premier League contests have already been postponed. Chelsea will face Tottenham on January 23 before the Club World Cup and go to Crystal Palace on February 19 following the tournament’s conclusion. There could also be fixtures sandwiched in there from other competitions depending on how far the Blues advance.

dark. Next. Chelsea’s lack of killer instinct is incredibly worrisome

What did you make of the Blues’ busy Monday? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

Home/Chelsea FC News