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.
Fulham’s run has been a massive surprise but there is no doubting the quality of the teams they have despatched- Shahtar Donetsk, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg in the knockout roundsm plus Roma in the group stages.
- You Can Bet On this match: Athletico Madrid v Fulham Europa League Final
Atlético are another quality outfit to get past, despite their mediocre league form. The team from the capital were fourth last season and expected to make a bold challenge in the Champions League but it all went wrong for them.
The Europa League run has saved their campaign. Although they have lived dangerously at times, there is no doubting the attacking talent they can deploy with Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero, Jose Reyes and Simao to call on.
Tactical Fulham Pose Threat
Fulham have made their way by being tactically aware, compact as a team and highly disciplined- that isn’t going to change for the final because Atlético present a real danger on the counter-attack.
Roy Hodgson is under no pressure to make the running in the game and will be quite happy to allow Atletico to come forward. However, the ‘Rojiblancos’ coach, Quique Sanches Flores, has also been cagey in this competition. Twice his team progressed by securing a 0-0 draw at home after scoring in the away leg.
This fixture has the makings of a ‘traditional’ European Final where the two sides feel each other out and search for an opening. Fulham will be desperate to have Bobby Zamora leading the line as the Englishman has kept defences occupied almost single-handedly in Europe.
- You Can Bet On this match: Athletico Madrid v Fulham Europa League Final
Hodgson will surely stick to his 4-5-1 formation asking Zoltan Gera and Damian Duff (if fit) to get close to Zamora. The Cottagers desperately need Zamora and Duff to be available and in good health if they are to list the trophy.
Focus on Aguero & Simao
Aguero is very much in the shop window as he’s talked about as a big money summer signing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Forlan has become a big game player who gets critical goals- he netted in both legs against Liverpool in the semi-final.
Simao will be leading light for Portugal in the World Cup and Fulham will want their midfielders to give protection to the back four as he and Reyes like to run at defences by cutting inside from wide.
Athlético are a better side than their La Liga position suggests and it will take iron discipline and patience from Fulham to prevail. Goals should be at a premium and the match could well go to extra time or be decided by one strike.
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Like Liverpool, their semi-final opponents in the Europa League, Athlético Madrid, have also been having a disappointing domestic season.