Europa League final: Juan Mata eager to secure European double for Chelsea

The Blues play Benfica in the final on Wednesday

Matt McGeehan,Simon Peach
Monday 13 May 2013 16:51 BST
Comments
Juan Mata of Chelsea celebrates after scoring the winning goal (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Juan Mata of Chelsea celebrates after scoring the winning goal (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Juan Mata hopes Chelsea can emulate Jose Mourinho's Porto by winning back-to-back European trophies this week.

Mourinho led Porto to the Europa League title in 2003 and the Champions League crown a year later before moving to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, having won the European Cup in Munich 12 months ago, are seeking to do the reverse with victory over Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday night and hold both titles at the same time, albeit for a period of 10 days until this year's Champions League winners are confirmed.

"We have now the chance to win two European trophies in a row, which is not easy for any club and we will try to do it," Mata said.

"It would be very, very nice. After winning the Champions League and FA Cup, it would be really nice and I would be really pleased to win another trophy with Chelsea."

Mata's season began as part of Spain's victorious Euro 2012 squad, then he played in the Olympics.

He has featured in more than 60 games for Chelsea, whose 68th and penultimate game of the campaign comes at the Amsterdam ArenA.

"It's been a long season in terms of the amount of games, but I think it's good," Mata said.

"I'm really happy with the season personally, but it's not finished yet.

"It can be even better, if we win the title."

Mata praised the influence of compatriot Rafael Benitez, the interim boss who is expected to be succeeded by Real Madrid head coach Mourinho this summer.

"The manager's trying to rotate the players, we're resting," Mata said.

"It's been a pleasure for me. He's a top manager, he's tried his best. If we win the trophy it will be great for him and the team."

While Mata, barring injury or illness, is certain to start in Holland, 18-year-old defender or midfielder Nathan Ake is merely content to be travelling with the squad, having begun to train with the first team in December.

Ake said: "It's good to play in a European final, but I don't know if I'm on the bench yet.

"I've played in the semi-final and quarter-final so that's good experience for me already and by travelling to Amsterdam as well."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in