Chelsea’s first pre-season game in Japan against Kawasaki Frontale is just seven days away and we’re counting down to kick-off in Yokohama by looking back at some images from past visits to the country by the Blues.
Our snapshot today shows Juan Mata celebrating in front of fans and photographers at the International Stadium in Yokohama after scoring our opening goal in a 3-1 win against Monterrey in the semi-finals of the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Spaniard broke the deadlock against the Mexican side after 17 minutes when he ghosted into space in the Monterrey box to receive a pass from Ashley Cole and fired a left-footed shot between two defenders into the bottom corner of the net.
Chelsea will return to the International Stadium Yokohama for our pre-season match against J.League champions Kawasaki Frontale on Friday 19 July. For ticket information, please click here.