The Story
There was a great atmosphere around the HSH Nordbank Arena with fans from both clubs singing their hearts out, desperate for some silverware to take home with them. And they would’ve been thoroughly entertained in an exciting first-half with plenty of chances.
Fulham started nervously, with Atletico having the better of the opportunities but struggling to break through with the Cottagers’ typically steadfast defence, led by Brede Hangeland, holding firm.
After early chances to Diego Forlan and Jose Antonio Reyes, Atletico went ahead with a touch of fortune. Sergio Aguero’s scuffed 32nd minute shot fell into the Uruguayan’s path inside the box and he slotted it past Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer.
But within five minutes, Fulham were level when they made the most of a journey forward with Simon Davies expertly scoring with a wicked volley.
Into the second-half, neither side seemed afraid of venturing forward and trying to win the game there and then, but it didn’t happen for either.
Eventually, Fulham were holding on and Atletico’s brilliant frontman Forlan pounced after good work by Sergio Aguero, with the Uruguayan steering an effort into the back of the net for the winner with four minutes of extra-time to go.
The Hero
Forlan was the star of the night and the difference between the sides. When either were found wanting in front of goal, he got the job done, much like he did in the semi-final victory over Liverpool.
The battle between Forlan and Hangeland was certainly an entertaining one, and it could’ve gone either way until the former Manchester United intervened late with the decisive strike.
Atletico were the better side on the evening, but Fulham’s resilient defence held them firm. That was besides for Forlan who broke through twice and proved decisive.
The Coaches
Atletico boss Quique Sanchez Flores said: “Fulham are a very well-organised side and they made it very difficult for us to find that second goal. It was like we played two matches against that defence of theirs. They were great opponents but I would say that overall we deserved the victory. I am really proud of my players.”
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson added: “Despite the obvious fatigue, the players were looking good value – well-organised and disciplined – but unfortunately Diego Forlán popped up and there was no time to recover. We deserved to go to penalties, but it wasn’t to be.
The Conclusion
As aforementioned, on the night Atletico played the better football, but Fulham’s typically determined and gritty display deserves some praise. In the end, as the game headed towards penalties (as Hodgson suggests) the Cottagers began to struggle to hold on and Forlan pounced for the decisive goal.