Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has revealed his disappointment after his side were knocked out of the Champions League.
The Blues became the first holders of the competition to fail to advance from the group stages, despite hammering Nordsjaelland 6-1 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
The Londoners will now enter the Europa League at the knockout stages, and Mata is adamant that Chelsea will try to make amends for their early Champions League exit by winning the tournament.
"We did what we had to do but it wasn't enough," said Mata. "We played really well, especially in the second half, but the sense of disappointment is deep. We wanted to get through to the next round as we are the holders of the competition, but we have to carry on and try to win the Europa League.
"It wasn't a problem tonight or in the last game. We didn't do well enough in previous games; we lost points early on. In the end we got ten points and in other groups that might have been enough to get through. For us it wasn't enough because Shakhtar and Juventus are two very strong teams.
"It's a sad day but we will try and win the Europa League. It's a new tournament for the club and gives us another challenge for the season."
Chelsea will now make the trip to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
Matt Cotton
