“The team doctor was not happy” - Juan Mata opens up on baffling routine Spain players followed in build-up to winning Euro 2012 final

Euro 2012 winner Juan Mata has shared the details of his and Spain players' before their triumph at the 2012 European Championship. The former Chelsea and Manchester United star revealed that he and his compatriots treated the team doctors to a beverage and snack before the game.

La Roja came into the tournament in impressive form. The defending European and FIFA World Cup champions trounced Italy 4-0 to make sure their team doctors were not left too incensed.

Sharing their preparation for the final, Mata said in the Legend's Lounge:

“One thing that we did, I think it was the key to winning (Euro 2012). The night before every game, we went to Pepe Reina’s room. He always ordered hot chocolate and croissants.

"The team doctor was not happy about it. But because we started winning so much after having it the night before every game, we did it for the whole tournament. We had a nice routine.”

Mata and Co.'s victory in the final saw them become one of the few teams to win three consecutive international competitions. The Spaniard will hope that his compatriots have a routine as lucky at Euro 2024 12 years since their last triumph where they face England in the final in Berlin on Sunday (July 14).

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Spain's Marc Cucurella ready to face England's Bukayo Saka in Euro 2024 final

Spain full-back Marc Cucurella has shared how he intends to manage England forward Bukayo Saka in the Euro 2024 final. The duo have often faced each other in the Premier League, so the Spaniard believes he's familiar with the tactics he needs to keep Saka at bay.

Speaking to The Athletic, the Chelsea star said that he's excited to face Saka:

"I know how Saka plays. I don't really need to watch a lot of footage, as I normally watch all the Arsenal games. It is so tough to mark him, but those challenges are nice for me. Playing against rivals of such quality is nice. I'm sure we both can’t wait for it."

The Spaniard shared his plan to handle the Arsenal star in the match:

"My main target is to make him feel uncomfortable. I also think that the game's script will depend a lot on Spain and how we play, rather than what England do.

"If we dominate the ball, as we've done, and stay aware of the high pressure and everything we need to do to avoid counter-attacks, we’ll have plenty of chances to win."

Spain are looking to become the first four-time European Championship winner, while England are looking for their first title, hoping to end a 58-year major-tournament drought.