EUROPA LEAGUE 2009 2010 2º LEG SEMI FINAL RESULT | LIVERPOOL FC 2 ATLETICO DE MADRID 1 | ATLETICO WIN ON AGG GO INTO FINAL | VIDEO GOALS

Source: SFS Blog /
Watch the VIDEO of the goal that took ATLETICO DE MADRID into its first European Final in 24 years & return them to the Europen Football elite:




DIEGO FORLAN scored in extra-time (103rd min) the only goal by ATLETICO DE MADRID in their 2-1 loss tonight to LIVERPOOL FC in the 2ºleg semi-final clash of the EUROPA LEAGUE. Although Atletico lost, their goal in the 1º leg & the one scored tonight served double to eliminate Liverpool FC & put the Spaniards into the Final in Hamburg against English team Fulham. In fact, Atletico notched up their second final this season as they are to meet local team Sevilla FC in the Spanish Cup Final in May. An extraordinary turn of events as Atletico was 2º Division relegation bait 4 months ago when a "Club Crisis" lead to the sacking of Coach Abel. The team made everyone suffer tonight until the last minute - habitual for Atletico - as they held off a brave Liverpool FC who attempted to score their third goal to win the semi.

This Atletico is not the same team that it was 4 months ago, as their is now defensive order & discipline with players who before were "basket-cases" playing at a superb level like Perea, Antonio Lopez & Dominguez. But tonight was a team effort with Reyes back to his best in the right moment, Forlan sacrificing himself along with Simao , Assuncao, Garcia, Aguero...etc.

Liverpool FC had their ideas clear from the start, they need 2 goals at least ( without At. Madrid scoring ) to get through. They attacked from the first minute & had their chances with the game swinging both ways with the Spaniards who were kept out by Liverpool goalie Reina from a Raul Gracia crack at goal that could have been a killer. It was Liverpool Italian midfielder AQUILANO who opened the can for the English in the 43rd min that knocked the Spaniards about so close to the end of the 1º st half. Watch the VIDEO of the goal:



It was a "boxing match" in the second half as MASCHERANO ( Best on the field) stopped everything that Atletico through at them & it was end to end stuff. Extra-time was imminent & both teams accepted it as the inevitable. However, the physical effort of the 1ºst half by Liverpool was costing them at this stage ( & much more latter ) as Atletico grew on the field & was to be decisive later.

Then just 4 mins into extra-time Liverpool player BENAYOUN scored the second & the Spaniards were at this stage out of the Europa League. Watch the VIDEO of the goal:



The key moment was when Atletico Coach Flores took off Assuncao who was exhausted & put on a fresh attacking midfielder Jurado who took over the center & the ball. Then the miracle happened in the 103rd min when Reyes escaped & passed to Diego Forlan who scored. This goal put Atletico back in the picture & into the Europa League Final in Hamburg. From here it was desperate play from both sides as the English attacked & the Spaniards defended to hold out & finally the latter eliminate Liverppol FC.

Amazing stuff & great joy in Madrid (Spain) for a team who has suffered this season, & sadness that the eliminated side had to be Liverpool FC were there exists a certain brotherhood between both teams. A great match, pity only one could only win. Tweet

Share