The opportunity to be crowned kings of Europe for the first time would seem motivation enough for the Blues to beat Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena showdown, but playmaker Mata told Press Association Sport the prospect of failing to qualify for next season's competition had given the Blues an added incentive to beat the German giants.
"We want to win for the club, and for us, because we can make history for Chelsea," he said. "But, as well, it's important to play in the Champions League next year. Chelsea always want to be in the Champions League."
The Blues have not been out of the competition since Roman Abramovich bought the club nine years ago. But they have paid the price for a turbulent season which saw Andre Villas-Boas sacked as manager almost 10 weeks ago.
"It hasn't been an easy season for us in the Premier League," Mata said ahead of Sunday's final league game of the season against Blackburn.
"We are in sixth position, so it's not what Chelsea deserves. But we won the FA Cup, we have the chance now to win the Champions League as well. So, if we win both, it will be an amazing season for us."
The fact Chelsea are on the brink of such a historic season is down to the players and caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo.
"Robbie's a very good guy, a very good person," Mata said of the former Blues midfielder. "He has character, he knows Chelsea. He used to play, now he's training. So he's a very good manager and we are all with him."
Mata, who was signed by Villas-Boas last summer, would not go as far as backing Di Matteo for the manager's job full-time.
He said: "We don't know, we don't know. It's not our job. But I think all of us are happy with him. We have to win the final of the Champions League and now that's it."
Source: PA
Source: PA