The Europa League Final proved to be one match too far in Fulham’s long season, Diego Forlan’s second strike of the match won the game with five minutes of extra time to go.
Though the Cottagers put in a typically disciplined performance Atletico Madrid always carried more threat in the contest. With Bobby Zamora hampered by his Achilles injury, Fulham just couldn’t put their Spanish opponents under enough pressure at the back.
Atletico’s much vaunted strikers were the difference. Forlan scored the goals but his partner Sergio Aguero took the eye for his quick feet and darting runs, which left Fulham chasing shadows.
It is testimony to Roy Hodgson’s organisational skills that his players were able to cope. In fact, there was a period in the second half of normal time when Fulham appeared to be the side most likely to win.
Fulham’s equalising goal was typical of their season as Simon Davies produced a great volley from one of the few attacks that penetrated the Atletico box. Throughout their campaign, Fulham have taken every chance offered and lived on scraps- the final was no different.
Fulham’s goal came when then Spanish team were pushing on and looked capable of adding a second to Forlan’s poacher’s strike. The equaliser set them back and it wasn’t until midway through the second period that they started to put Fulham under concerted pressure again.
During the second half of normal time Hodgson had to withdraw Zamora and Damian Duff, probably his two best creative talents. The introduction of Clint Dempsey and Erik Nevland offered more running and graft but the ball failed to stick up front.
Atletico had more of the ball in extra time and though Fulham defended well there was always the feeling that the Madrid team would get one more gilt-edged chance.
Aguero provided it by besting Aaron Hughes and delivering a wicked ball across the six yard box. That man Forlan ghosted into the right place again and applied a delicate flick though the legs of his marker ands past Mark Schwarzer.
It was too late for a tired side to force yet another improbably comeback and at least the final wasn’t settled on the dreaded penalties. Fulham were always in the contest but Atletico were the better side and deserved their victory.
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This Saturday’s FA Cup Final has one of the heaviest favourites in post-war history as Premiership champions Chelsea seek to complete a ‘Double’ by beating bottom club Portsmouth.
“The fans must not see themselves as champions because that’s not the case and the team shouldn’t think it and that is my job… We have the great fortune of having our destiny in our own hands but Valladolid are coming to us and they need to save themselves under Javi Clemente who I know because I had him as national coach. Since Clemente arrived they have only lost one game to Atletico Madrid and they will be a defensive side looking for their chance. The danger is that everyone thinks it is done and that we are champions – which we aren’t.” – Pep Guardiola.
Much like the title race in Spain, Italy’s Serie A season has gone down to the last game of the season before producing the league winners. Inter Milan are two points ahead of Roma at the top of the league and a win against Siena on Sunday night will see Mourinho’s men retain the Scudetto for another year.
Two giants of Italian football go head-to-head on Saturday, but both clubs have endured a season to forget.
Marcello Lippi’s provisional 30-man squad has been confirmed, with a blend of experience and fresh talent, la Nazionale will be hopeful of retaining the Cup they won in 2006.
Fulham against Atlético Madrid is one of the more unlikely pairings for a European Final, because Fulham are novices at this level and Atlético began the season with high hopes in the Champions League.
