• Premier League

Napoli turnaround on says Mata

ESPN staff
March 12, 2012
Juan Mata has belief in Chelsea's ability to progress in the Champions League © PA Photos
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Chelsea forward Juan Mata believes his team can turn its Champions League last-16 tie against Napoli around this Wednesday, after gaining confidence from the weekend win over Stoke.

The Blues trail Italian outfit Napoli 3-1 on aggregate going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge this week, and after a tumultuous period which has included the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas the victory over a dogged Stoke side gave plenty of encouragement.

"It was a very important victory for us, an important three points to continue towards the Champions League," Mata told Chelsea's official website. "It was a tough game, they had a lot of tall, strong players but finally we achieved the three points and that's the most important thing.

"It wasn't easy because as you know we had a big change but I think the team is still believing and working very well, and these two wins bring a lot of confidence."

Walter Mazzarri's Serie A side will provide a very different test on Wednesday evening, but Mata is confident Chelsea can put their recent trials and tribulations behind them and turn out an impressive result.

"Wednesday is like a final and we have to win at least 2-0, I think we can do it, we are confident after Saturday and we will try to give 100 per cent to qualify," said the 23-year-old.

"In football nothing is impossible and at Stamford Bridge we have had good results in the Champions League, so I think we can do it. All the supporters will be cheering us, it's a final for us, and we can do it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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