Messrs Diego Forlan, Simao Sabroso, Sergio Aguero, and Jose Antonio Reyes have been entrusted with Los Colchoneros quest to end their 48 year old drought. That was the last time they won a major European title, the Cup Winners Cup in 1962.
The match between Atletico and Fiorentina was contested as a one off final after UEFA abolished the two leg format that they had established for the competition its inaugural year. But the match played on 5 May, 1962 at Hampden Park, Glasgow was a tied affair as both teams battled to a 1-1 draw. The final was replayed 4 months later at the Neckarstadion, Stuttgart. This time there was no doubt. Atletico won, 3-0.
If Roy Hodgson is reviving Fulham’s fortunes, his Atletico Madrid counterpart, Quique Sanchez Flores is doing the same. Sanchez Flores has like Hodgson achieved his success away from the Liga, in other domestic formats like the Copa Del Rey where they will contest the final against Sevilla and now this year’s Europa Cup.
In fact, Atletico has dropped from a top four finish in last season’s Liga to a current ninth place. Likewise, Fulham ended its Premiership in 12th position, a five place drop from last season. These competitions have far more significance for both managers.
Fulham’s defense vs Atletico’s attack:
Sanchez Flores tactics will include stopping big man Bobby Zamora, who with Danny Murphy, and Brede Hangeland are the spine of the Fulham team. The key they believe is to keep out Zamora where he can do most damage, in the goal mouth. If they can starve him of supply, they have a chance of winning. Which might just be a tall order because their defense has been quite porous.
At the other end, Jose Antonio Reyes is having a great season plundering down the right and feeding Diego Forlan. The watertight Fulham defense will have to mark the potent Atletico attack well. The Cottagers have built their success on giving up fewer goals.