Uruguayan striker Diego scores twice in Europa League final to break Fulham hearts and give Atletico Madrid its first European trophy in 48 years

Diego Forlan strikes twice to give Atletico Europa League title

Uruguayan striker Diego scores twice in Europa League final to break Fulham hearts and give Atletico Madrid its first European trophy in 48 years

cup of joy! Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan celebrates with the trophy after the Spanish side beat Fulham 2-1 in the Europa League final in Hamburg last night. pics/afp

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.

Golden Boot winner
"It's good to have the golden shoe, but it's better to win titles with the team. I hope the volcano allows us to get home safely now and that Madrid will dress in red and white when we return," said the 30-year-old, who won the European Golden Boot for the second time last season.

This was Atletico's first European title since they won the now defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1962 when they beat Fiorentina 3-0 in Stuttgart.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson finished on the losing side in a European final for the second time, after he lost the 1997 UEFA Cup final with Inter Milan. "The players are obviously very disappointed, but we put in a valiant performance. It was a bitter blow to concede such a late goal. I thought the game was heading to penalties," said Hodgson.

Coach Quique Sanchez Flores started former Man United forward Forlan upfront with Argentine Sergio Aguero and it was Forlan again, who played the hero for his side as his two goals gave Atletico the title. Atletico opened the scoring when winger Simoa Sabrosa controlled the ball with his chest before Aguero's mis-hit found Forlan, who scored his fifth goal of the tournament on 32 minutes.

Fulham fightback
Fulham were back on level terms just five minutes later after Zamora won possession on the edge of the penalty area, Gera chipped in a cross and Welsh midfielder Simon Davies drilled home a volley.

But Forlan was a constant threat and Schwarzer had to push his shot around the near post just before the break as it stayed 1-1 at half-time. After 1-1 at full time, Fulham again threatened to score ufffd on the stroke of the extra-time changeover, Aguero hit the side-netting from close range after Forlan had broken through again past a tiring Fulham defence.

Forlan finally slipped his marker to give the Spaniards their first trophy since 1996.

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