The Spaniard Juan Mata has been one of the best players in the Premier league since arriving to Chelsea in a £ 24 million deal from Valencia almost 2 years ago. The 24-year-old almost snatched a late winner against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Mata saw Chelsea concede two goals in the opening 15 min of the match. It threatened to derail the season of the club, as they had lost in the Europa league first leg encounter against Steau Bucharest only a few days ago. However, the team had an impressive second half in which they rallied to equalise the match.

Chelsea could have almost snatched the victory had it not been for the excellent save from David de Gea from a Juan Mata shot in the final few minutes of the match. Mata has said that it was a really impressive performance from the Chelsea team considering the match was at Old Trafford and that they were 2-0 down after just a few minutes. He has said that he is extremely confident that Chelsea will be able to progress into the semifinals of the competition when they take on United in the replay match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s recent home form, though, has not been good.

“We were playing in a stadium like Old Trafford and it was Man United, so it could be a good result. But in the second half we had so many chances to score. De Gea was good, saving some of them. He saved very well (from me), with a foot I think, and Oscar had so many chances. It’s a day to be proud of the team. (United) scored two in the first minutes but we tried very hard and came back. We have a replay at home, we are strong at Stamford Bridge with our supporters, and we will try to get through,” said Mata.