Chelsea FC’s Champions League Winning Penalty Takers: Where Are They Now?

Juan Mata

Result:  Saved by Manuel Neuer

Where is he now:  Manchester United

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In 2012 Juan Mata was putting the finishing touches on what was the first of his back-to-back CFC Player of the Year awards.  He was the cornerstone of an attack that won the Champions League and Europa League in successive years and had an attacking flair that was sorely needed.

Mata was sold to bitter rivals Manchester United in 2014 after he had fallen out of favor with José Mourinho  Mata’s inability to improve his defensive make-up appeared to be the primary reasoning and, while the sample size is limited, it appears the Chosen One was on to something.  All that said, seeing Mata go was not easy for the True Blue faithful.

Replaced by: Eden Hazard.  They didn’t give him the #10 on accident.