Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunion

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CHELSEA have finally discovered their final Club World Cup opponent — thanks to a dramatic late winner created by one of their former stars.

The Conference League champions head to the US this summer to take part in the newly-expanded tournament.

Cole Palmer of Chelsea lifts the UEFA Conference League trophy.Getty
Conference League champs Chelsea have discovered their final Club World Cup opponent[/caption]

Chelsea already knew they were going to be facing Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian team Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the group stage.

However, their third and final opponent remained unknown after Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out due to Fifa’s multi-club ownership rules.

Fellow Liga MX side CF Pachuca — also owned by Grupo Pachuca — had already qualified for the Club World Cup, forcing Leon to withdraw.

And it meant that another Mexican side, Club America, were handed a dramatic playoff against MLS club LAFC.

The Americans were trailing 1-0 with just minutes to go when they equalised in the 89th minute.

LAFC then scored an amazing winner in the 115th minute through Denis Bouanga, with former Chelsea star and Champions League winner Olivier Giroud creating the goal for 2-1.

Now, the Frenchman will face his former side with LAFC in the opening group stage game on June 16.

Chelsea will then play Flamengo four days later on June 20.

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And five days after that, on June 25, Chelsea end their group stage experience against Esperance.

The Club World Cup will be one of the most lucrative tournaments going, with the winner set to bank a mind-blowing £100million.

LAFC soccer players huddle together on the field.AFP
Chelsea will take on LAFC and former striker Olivier Giroud[/caption]
Soccer players celebrating a goal.He bagged a late assist as LAFC dramatically beat Club America in a playoff

And Chelsea will be desperate to keep the good times rolling after ending a three-year trophy drought against Real Betis on Wednesday.

The Blues came back from a goal down to win 4-1 in Warsaw.

It came just days after they secured a fourth-place finish to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

And new signings are already inbound, with Chelsea reportedly beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton in the race for £30m Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

Olivier Giroud of Chelsea celebrating with the Champions League trophy.Giroud won the Champions League during his time at Stamford BridgeGetty
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