Champions League: What I told Ashley Young before free-kick against Juventus – Mata
Manchester United midfielder, Juan Mata has disclosed that he pleaded with fellow teammate, Ashley Young, to let him take the free-kick against Juventus during their 2-1 win over the Serie A giants in the Champions League encounter played on Wednesday.
Mata’s free-kick and an own goal from defender, Alex Sandro helped Jose Mourinho’s side secure three points in Turin as forward, Cristiano Ronaldo’s lone goal was not enough to get a draw for the hosts.
The Spain international said he knew he would convert the free-kick because it was difficult for the goalkeeper to see the ball with the wall so close.
Asked about his equaliser, Mata told MUTV: “As soon as there was the free-kick in there, I had the confidence that I had to take it. I told Ash: ‘Please let me take it, because I can go over the wall’.
“It’s very difficult for the goalkeeper because they don’t see a lot [with the wall so close]. ‘So I tried to do what I do in training a lot of times, practising, practising. It was important to score to make it 1-1 and, after, it led us to the 1-2”
“I think because of the venue and the importance of the game, it’s one of the best [that I’ve scored].”
