Juan Mata has yet to decide his future, but the former Manchester United star may have played his final game for Melbourne Victory as they crashed out of the A-League finals.
It has been an enjoyable campaign for former Manchester United playmaker and World Cup-winner, Juan Mata, at Melbourne Victory, especially when you compare how he struggled last season at Western Sydney Wanderers.
With discussions yet to take place over Mata’s future, it remains to be seen if he will stay at Melbourne Victory, move to a new club, or hang up his boots.
Mata returned to action last week amid fears a fractured elbow sustained in early April would rule him out of the Elimination Final. He has been a star player for the A-League outfit this season.
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Juan Mata misses out on silverware as Sydney FC beat Melbourne Victory
Sydney FC edged past Melbourne Victory with a 1-0 victory as Patrick Wood scored the match-winner just 90 seconds after coming on as a second-half substitute.
The result spoils any chance Mata had of winning silverware with Melbourne Victory this season.
Sydney’s victory sets up a two-leg semi-final tie against Newcastle Jets for a spot in the final.
Mata played 84 minutes in what could be his final appearance for Melbourne Victory.
The Spaniard touched the ball 65 times and created three chances for his teammates.
Although Melbourne Victory were unable to find the back of the net, Mata registered one shot on target, with an accuracy of 50%.
It may well be a disappointing end to Mata’s time in the A-League, but the Australian outfit will hope he remains at the club now that the season is over.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Juan Mata featured in Melbourne Victory’s 1-0 defeat against Sydney FC in the A-League Elimination Final
- Mata played 84 minutes and touched the ball 65 times
- There are doubts over Mata’s future with talks yet to take place over a new deal
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Juan Mata became oldest to play for Melbourne Victory
Just four days after turning 38, Mata started the A-League Elimination Final to become the oldest player in Melbourne Victory’s history.
Mata could extend that record by signing a new deal at Melbourne.
It is understood that Mata has enjoyed living in Australia since moving there from Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
The oldest player to win the A-League is former Spain international Isaias Sanchez, who won it in 2024 at the age of 37 years and 111 days.
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