Ecstasy in Hamburg: Atleti Reclaims Europe
May 12, 2010, is etched in the hearts of every Atlético fan. That day, Atlético de Madrid reconquered Europe after a 48-year wait, lifting the Europa League in a thrilling final against Fulham in Hamburg.
The road to the final wasn’t easy, overcoming Liverpool in a heart-stopping semi-final, with a decisive goal from Forlán in extra time. The first leg at the Calderón ended 1-0 with a goal from the Uruguayan.
At Anfield, Aquilani and Benayoun scored for the ‘Reds’, but again Forlán, after a pass from Reyes, took the team to extra time and the final. In the final, Forlán was once again the hero, scoring the first goal in the 31st minute, which Davies answered for Fulham.
The game went to extra time, where Kun Agüero assisted Forlán to score the winning goal in the 116th minute. Quique Sánchez Flores’ starting eleven was: De Gea; Ujfalusi, Perea, Domínguez, Antonio López; Reyes, Assunçao, Raúl García, Simao; Agüero and Forlán.
Salvio, Jurado and Juan Valera later entered. Antonio López, captain and symbol of the club, raised the trophy to the sky in Hamburg, a title that marked a before and after in the club’s recent history. That triumph was the prelude to a golden era for Atlético, consolidating their return to the elite of European football. An unforgettable memory for the Colchoneros fans!
