Chelsea vs Villarreal: Chelsea will get their 2021/22 campaign up and running by facing Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup just three days before their Premier League opener.
The Blues host London rivals Crystal Palace in the first game of the new season on Saturday, August 14 at 3pm.
But before that, they’ll make the trip to Belfast for the UEFA Super Cup.
Chelsea beat Manchester City in the Champions League final last season and will now face Europa League winners Villarreal in the Super Cup.
The west Londoners have featured in the showpiece match on four occasions, only winning it once in 1998.
Villarreal, who beat Manchester United to Europa League glory in May, will be making their debut in the Super Cup.
Chelsea will be relieved the match is taking place at Windsor Park in Belfast. Meaning they won’t have to travel far ahead of their Premier League opener.
UEFA Super Cup: Date and time
Chelsea vs Villarreal is scheduled to take place at Windsor Park in Belfast on Wednesday, August 11.
It will kick off at 8pm UK time.
There will be 30 minutes of extra-time if the scores are level after 90 minutes and a penalty shoot-out will be used to decide the match if necessary.
Twelve substitutes will be able to be named and a maximum of three can be used during the match substitutions, with a fourth allowed in extra time.
UEFA Super Cup: How to follow
BT Sport have the television rights to all European matches once again this season.
The Super Cup will be live on BT Sport 1 from 7pm and can be streamed via the BT Sport app.
talkSPORT will also have all the action and reaction to the match plus we will be bringing you a live blog on the night.
UEFA Super Cup: What has been said?
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel: “What nicer way to start the season than with a European final!
“I have huge respect for Villarreal and Unai Emery. I mean, they will have to call [the Europa League] the Unai Emery Trophy soon! He’s incredible.
“I think they will approach this game feeling they have nothing to lose. We will do all we can to take the trophy, though.”
Villarreal coach Unai Emery: “I want to win the Super Cup because so far I haven’t. I’ve been involved in two and lost both. It would be a great way to finish off last season.
“We could once again create history and achieve something wonderful ahead of the new campaign.
“The Super Cup will show what we are capable of against a top team like Chelsea. The reigning European champions and, for me, the best team in the world.”
