Thursday, May 10, 2012

Falcao helps Atletico Madrid win final

Radamel Falcao's golden boot and coach Diego Simeone's tactical nous helped Atletico Madrid secure a second Europa League title in three seasons with a commanding 3-0 win over fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
Colombian striker Falcao struck two superb goals, having also hit the winner for Porto in the 2011 final before a big-money move to Spain, and Brazilian Diego snapped up a late third as Simoene triumphed over fellow Argentine Marcelo Bielsa.
Falcao, top scorer in the competition for a second straight season, netted a first-half double to put Atletico in control before Diego, who was suspended for the 2009 final when with Werder Bremen, sealed an emphatic win five minutes from time.
"It was a tough match, an extraordinary match, almost perfect," Diego told Spanish television.
Falcao added: "I am grateful for this moment that few players have the chance to experience, grateful to all the team, my colleagues, the coaching staff."
It was fitting reward for Simeone who has revitalised 2010 winners Atletico since taking over in late December at the Calderon, where he became a fan favourite as a player in winning a league and cup double in 1996.
The 42-year-old former Argentina captain also lifted the Uefa Cup as a player with Inter Milan in 1998.

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