Atletico Madrid won the inaugural final of the Europa League 2 – 1 over Fulham as Diego Forlan struck an extra-time goal.
Having already scored the crucial goal at Anfield that knocked Liverpool out at the semi-final stage, Forlan was on target in the first half and then slipped his marker to score in the 116th minute to send the title to Madrid.
“I am very happy that my goals helped the team, it is good to have the golden shoe, but it is better to win titles with the team,” said the 30-year-old, who won the European Golden Boot for the second time last season.
“I just hope the volcano allows us to get home safely now and that Madrid will dress in red and white when we get back.”
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Wayne Rooney ruled Old Trafford again on Sunday as Manchester United went back top of the Premier League but Dimitar Berbatov’s form in the 3-0 win over Fulham was equally satisfying for manager Alex Ferguson.
While the livewire Rooney notched his 31st and 32nd goals of a remarkable season, languid Bulgarian Berbatov provided the perfect foil with a display that oozed class.
Berbatov, who has never completely won over the Old Trafford faithful, produced a brilliant piece of play to set up Rooney’s second goal and got on the scoresheet himself to take his tally for the season to 10.
While that is hardly prolific for a player of Berbatov’s pedigree who has enjoyed being top dog at most of his previous clubs, Ferguson was more concerned with his silky contribution in other areas.
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Liverpool‘s hopes of returning to the Champions League next year was dealt another setback whilst Tottenham retained their spot in the top four by beating Fulham 2 – 0.
Despite the return of club captain Steven Gerrard from injury, Rafael Benitez’s men were listless in a goalless stalemate at struggling Wolves.
But the Liverpool manager was defiantly upbeat after a result that means his side are unbeaten in five matches in the league.
“We had two or three chances in the first half and it was same in the second but our final pass not the best,” the Spaniard said.
“But it is another clean sheet and everyone is working really hard, so I think it is really positive.”
The draw leaves Liverpool three points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham, who were always in control of their London derby clash with Fulham at White Hart Lane.
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Wayne Rooney will not face any more disciplinary action from FA following the red card he received against Fulham over the weekend.
The Manchester United forward was sent-off for two bookable offences during the Premier League champions’ shock 2-0 defeat.
Although he had words with Phil Dowd after being shown the red card, the official has confirmed he was not sworn at by Rooney, an offence which could have led to a longer ban.
However, the Football Association (FA) are to write to Rooney, whose temper has been a worry to some within the English game, about his conduct after the former Everton favourite punched a corner flag while leaving the pitch.
An FA spokesman said on Monday: “We have clarified with Phil Dowd that there was no abuse from the player after he was dismissed.
“In relation to the incident when he punched the corner flag, the referee did not see that and we have written to Wayne Rooney reminding him of his responsibilities.”
Rooney will now be suspended for one match, the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, United’s home ground, on April 5.
Source: supersport.co.za
