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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