ATLETICO DE MADRID take a big step forward in their objective in reaching the final of the EUROPA LEAGUE after defeating LIVERPOOL FC 1-0 at home in the 1º leg semi-final match. The Spanish team played possibly one of their best games of the season with Sergio Aguero absent sitting in the crowd serving out his one game suspension. Liverpool seem to look conservative tonight, very observant & may have been happy to go back home with this score to put in "their game" at Anfield. Atletico de Madrid had their chances, clear opportunities that should have been put home & we hope they don´t remember them later.
But, tactics apart, Atletico deserved to win & it is certainly a moral boosting shot in the arm for the return 2ºleg that promises to be a huge affair.
The only & winning goal came early in the 9th min with a "freakish" second attempt by DIEGO FORLAN after missing the easy first time opportunity. Watch the below video to see this "unusual" but effective goal:
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From here, Atletico remained calm & disciplined throughout the match with a superb game from REYES who was everywhere, UJFALUSI who was solid in defence with team-mates DOMINGUEZ & PEREA; in fact I should mention the whole team as it was just this; a grand team effort. Atletico managed to hold out Liverpool whom came to life late & had their chances as well. Here Liverpool goalie REINA deserves a mention for his couple of "life saving" saves.
We all know, Atletico knows & Liverpool will assure us that the Anfield clash next week is going to be hard. Atletico is still far from a "dream" final after a "terrible" season with lots of downer moments & suffering. But , this 1-0 victory tonight is a start, a step forward , a moral booster & with Sergio Aguero back for the next game, a stage set-up for everyone here in Spain & Atletico de Madrid fans to be able to dream on. Congrats Atletico for tonights effort! Tweet
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