Fulham failed to keep the predatory Forlan away from goal.
Sergio “Kun” Agueo’s mishit falls fortuitously at Diego Forlan’s feet in the 32′ minute and the Uruguayan makes it look easy for Atletico’s first goal. But 5 minutes later Zoltan Gera’s cross was deflected towards Scott Davies who volleyed it past David De Gea for Fulham’s equalizer.
The match drifted along to full time with few clear scoring chances for both teams although Atletico looked far more enterprising in attack with the tireless and talented Kun Aguero operating on the left. There were flashes of some delectable ball skills by the little Argentinian.
Heartbreak for Fulham in extra time as Aguero in a great piece of hustle chases down a ball, turns around and crosses to Forlan cutting in from the right. The Atletico striker glances the ball with his right leg past Mark Schwarzer. A 115′ minute strike. Schwarzer lays on the ground in utter dejection. Paul Konchesky walks off shaking his head. It was this close to a penalty shootout where Fulham might have felt they had an edge.
The celebrations begin for Quique Sanchez Flores and his men. They end a 48 year old European drought. Full marks to them.
But Roy Hodgson deserves equal praise. He got an everyday squad, rolled up their sleeves, and got them to work. Along the way they stunned Juventus, laid waste to Wolfsburg, and ended Hamburg’s fairy tale hopes of capturing the Europa Cup at home. For a club unaccustomed to the klieg lights of top flight competition, that is one heck of an impressive resume. Hodgson’s heroes deserve a standing ovation.