Mateo Kovačić entered prestigious company after claiming the Europa League title with Chelsea on Wednesday night in Baku.
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić became only the second Croatian footballer to win the Champions League and the Europa League! Before him, only Ivan Rakitić has succeeded, reports Gol.hr on May 29, 2019,
Kovačić celebrated in the Champions League last season with Real Madrid, while this season he won the Europa League with Chelsea. Rakitić had a different path. He first won the Europa League with Sevilla, and then won the Champions League in the ranks of Barcelona.
Kovačić has also won his fourth European trophy in a row, something not even the best of the best footballers can boast. Recall, in the last three seasons he won the Champions League title with Real Madrid, and on Wednesday the Europa League title with Premier League club Chelsea.
The Chelsea midfielder also became the ninth Croatian footballer to celebrate the UEFA Cup or the Europa League. Thus far, Mladen Ramljak, Luka Peruzović, Mario Stanić, Ivica Olić, Ivica Križanac, Darijo Srna, Ivan Rakitić, and Šime Vrsaljko have done the same.
Chelsea has won the Europa League for the second time in history. However, Sevilla still holds the record and has celebrated the title five times.
Recall, Chelsea won the competition for the first time after defeating Benfica in 2013.
Mateo Kovačić played excellent in the Chelsea jersey in the final, collecting 76 minutes and participated in the first three Chelsea goals. Kovačić also achieved 91% of successful passes. Kovačić completed a 3 in dribbling, with Hazard only at 5. Kovačić also held 7% of possession, with Xhaka only at 8.4%.
Twitter even went crazy for Kovačić last night after his stellar performance. You can read some of the comments of praise below.
Kovacic being a baller tonight. Fantastic player when used to his strengths. Ball retention and dribbling through press effortlessly. Perfect response to his critics n such an important game.#CHEARS #UELfinal
— Sudip Majumder (@studipm) May 29, 2019
Kovacic has become fucking Zidane this second half.
— • (@Chelsea_Related) May 29, 2019
After today’s performance it’s clear that Kovacic needs to be secured on a permanent #CFC
— Adi?? (@CFCAdz) May 29, 2019
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