Tonight, 24 years later, Atletico Madrid will once again fight for their second European title as they take on Roy Hodgsons Fulham in Hamburg. Some posers as we preview the match: Will we see the same Perea that lead the defensive line so admirably against Liverpool? Can Sergio Agüero and Diego Forlan fire Atleti to glory? Will Atletis defence cope with the under-rated front four of Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff, Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies? One thing that Atletico simply cannot do is underestimate this Fulham team; a team few in the Atleti squad had probably heard of when the first ball was kicked in this seasons Europa League.
Fulham have contrived to knock out the favourites (Juventus), the holders (Shaktar Donetsk) and the team whose ground will host the final (Hamburg). It would appear destiny is on the side of the Londoners but that will count for nothing as the two sides lock horns in little under two hours time. Perea will need to be prepared for physical battle with Bobby Zamora. The Atleti full-backs, most likely Ujfalusi and Antonio Lopez, cannot lose concentration for one moment against the pace and trickery of Duff and Davies. Assuncao will need to follow Danny Murphys every move; the creative force behind Hodgsons team. Then they can let the class and firepower of Agüero and Forlan to shoot them to glory. It promises to be electric, with the two teams desparate to make their mark on the inaugural Europa League final. To all Atletico fans, especially the guys over at MadridAtleticos: The best of luck.
Check out an in-depth preview for the final HERE at MadridAtleticos!