A brace by Diego Forlan helped Atletico Madrid win the first edition of Europa League in Extra Time against a well organized Fulham team. Forlan gave the Spanish side the lead in the 31st minute after a marvelous combination that involved Reyes, Simao and Aguero. But just six minutes later, Fulham got themselves back on level terms with a goal that was just as beautiful as Simon Davies slotted in a volley.
It went scoreless in the second half although Fulham had a couple of decent chances. But it was Atletico Madrid that were the more active side in the final minutes of the game. Still, they game went to Extra Time and just 4 minutes before the final whistle, Diego Forlan broke the Fulham hearts by slightly re-redirecting an Aguero cross into the back of the net. The ball took a wicked deflection from a Fulham defender and it has to be said that the English side was quite unlucky to lose like that. But that’s football. It was the presence of world class players in Atletico Madrid’s team that made the difference tonight. Forlan scored both goals for them while Aguero looked unstoppable with the ball in his feet and always looked dangerous in attack.
Finally, Atletico Madrid won European silverware as their last European title dates back from 1962 when they triumphed with the Cup Winners Cup. They will play for the European Super Cup at the start of next season against the Champions League winner. Furthermore, Atletico will play for the Copa Del Ray in the Final against Sevilla at Camp Nou next week, so they will have the chance to win not just one but two trophies and turn this into the most successful season in the club’s history.
