Mata: Moscow Match Could Be Crucial

In his latest weekly blog, Manchester United attacker Juan Mata reflects on the Reds' victory over Everton and previews a key clash in the Champions League, away to CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night...

Hi everyone, I'm writing after another good week, with a positive result that gives the team a boost of energy and makes me feel optimistic. But there's no time to celebrate anything in a season with no respite.

On Saturday we got a solid victory at Goodison Park, always a tough stadium to get the three points. I think the score reflects the good work the team did. We managed to take our chances despite Everton's strong start and pressing. The first goal was very important, and with the second one things were going in our favour. I'm really happy to see my friend Ander Herrera back on the pitch, contributing his class and his ability to score goals.

The mark of respect to Howard Kendall was impressive. The atmosphere in the UK during this kind of tributes amazes me once and again. Kendall also managed Athletic Bilbao in Spain, and many people remember him. My condolences to his family and friends.

As from today, we are already focused on the Champions League; you know it's a very important competition for us. We have three points after the first two weeks and the game in Moscow could be crucial. Defeating CSKA would give us momentum ahead of the last three games. I've been told that Antonio Valencia scored the winner for United the last time the team visited CSKA, so we will ask him for the secret to beat them because they haven't lost at home this season, both in the group stage and in the previous rounds.

By the way, thank you so much for choosing me as the Player of the Month for September! I will keep working hard to get more!

Read Juan's latest blog in full at kicca.com/juanmata8.

Credit: Manutd.com