EUROPA LEAGUE: Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Bayern Leverkusen (Highlights)

Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Bayern Leverkusen
(0-1) 39' Derdiyok, (1-1) 51' Simao (p)

Atletico Madrid complicate matters with a draw against Bayer Leverkusen in their second group tie of the competition. With Sergio Agüero left out as a precaution, Bayer took the lead just before half-time with a well drilled shot in the area. After a dismal first 45 minutes, Atletico came out a different side in the second half and it didn't take them long to draw level through Simaos penalty. Tiago made an impression when he came on, but with the game wide open any one of the two teams could have gone on to get a decisive winner. As it was the match ended in a draw and Atletico are now obliged to start picking up wins if they want to make it out of the group.

Borussia Dortmund 0 - 1 Sevilla

(0-1) 46' Cigarini

Vital win for Sevilla in Germany as Italian Luca Cigarini grabbed the all-important goal in the Westfalenstadion. Gregorio Manzano didn't waste any time in his first match on the Sevilla bench, breathing new life into a souless set of players at half time. And it only took them a matter of seconds to get the winning goal, Cigarini taking advantage of a loose ball in the area to slot in and put his team back on track in the Europe League. Soon after Dortmund defender Schmelzer saw red, which allowed the Nervionenses to dominate the second half and leave with the three points that were so essential to any hopes they had of staying in the Europa League beyond the group stages.



Young Boys 2 - 0 Getafe

(1-0) 10' Degen, (2-0) 63' Degen

Shocking performance from Michels Getafe team which sees the Madrid outfit take a step backwards after their opening round win. With Pedro Leon and Roberto Soldado sold over the summer, Getafe are seriously lacking in quality this year, so it will be a test of Michels managerial ability whether or not 'Eurogeta' suffer this season.

Villarreal 2 - 1 Club Brugge

(1-0) 10' Rossi, (1-1) 46' Donk, (2-1) 56' Gonzalo

Villarreal survived a barrage of brutal tackles from Brugge to sneak past the Belgians courtesy of Gonzalos 56th minute strike. Villarreal outclassed their rivals who were left with no choice but to resort to dirty tactics to stop the Yellow Submarine. Cani was injured by a shocking challenge and Vargas was sent off for Brugge. Guiseppe Rossi continues his impressive start to the season with another goal. The Italian/American is on fire.

EUROPA LEAGUE: Aris Salonika 1 - 0 Atletico Madrid (Highlights)

Not a great night for the La Liga contingent as Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal all slumped to defeat, with only little Getafe maintaining pride for the Spanish quartet. Ironically, Atletico Madrid were downed by two Spaniards, with Hector Cupers tactics and Javitos screamer (see video) sending the Liga leaders home pointless. Not the result everyone was expecting after their riproaring start to the season. Villarreal came a cropper in the Ukraine as Juan Garrido rang the changes, giving starts to back-up strikers Marco Ruben and Jozy Altidore. But Dinamo Zagreb were just too good for the Yellow Submarine, as Brazilian schemer Jorge Sammir stole the show with a goal and assist as they ran out easy 2-0 winners.

Sevillas ongoing European nightmare continued as a late goal from Nene for Paris St Germain punished a drab performance from Alvaro Alvarezs team which earned them a good few jeers once the final whistle was blown. More is expected from trhe likes of Luis Fabiano, Jesus Navas and Frederic Kanoute, and Del Nido knows it. So it was left to Getafe to pick up the only Spanish points of the night as they overcame a shocking first half to stick two goals past Danish side Odense, who had a familiar face in goal: only Roy Carroll! Arizmendi and ex-Xerez man Pedro Rios with the second half strikes.

Aris Salonika 1 - 0 Atletico Madrid

(1-0) 59' Javito

Dinamo Zagreb 2 - 0 Villarreal

(1-0) 18' Rukavina,  (2-0) 80' Sammir

Sevilla 0 - 1 PSG

(0-1) 76' Nene

Getafe 2 - 1 Odense

(0-1) 43' Andreasen, (1-1) 50' Arizmendi, (2-1) 80' Pedro Rios

Europa League Groups 2010/2011 - Sevilla and Getafe handed tough groups

As if getting knocked out of the Champions League before the group draw was even made wasn't bad enough, Sevilla were dealt another blow as the Europe League 2010/2011 draw placed them in a group with PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Ukranian outfit Karpaty Lviv. Certainly not plain sailing. Atletico Madrid, fresh from putting reigning Champions League winner Inter Milan to the sword in the UEFA Supercup in Monaco, were drawn with Bayern Leverkusen, Rosenburg and Thessalonika, and having held on to World Cup hero Diego Forlan and Sergio Agüero over the summer they'll surely fancy their chances of progressing to the knock out stages as they look to retain the trophy they won in May against Fulham.

The other two Liga sides in the draw, Getafe and Villarreal, had mixed fortunes. Getafe were drawn in a beast of a group with Stuttgart favorites to go through as group winners, whilst Villarreal will see themselves as the big guns in their group. Games will be played on 16 and 30 September, 22 October, 4 November, 1/2 and 15/16 December as the Europa League reverts its format to a more Champions League type of affair, as the top two go through. Looking at some of those groups, this Europe League promises to be entertaining: Man City v Juventus the pick of the ties. Prediction: Villarreal, Sevilla and Atletico to go through. Getafe to finish an antagonising third.

ATLETICO MADRID WIN EUROPA LEAGUE: Diego Forlan the two goal hero!

Atletico Madrid 2 - 1 Fulham

(1-0) 31' Forlan, (1-1) 38' Davies, (2-1) 116' Forlan

Atletico Madrid ended 48 years of hurt to land the Europa League in Hamburg, defeating English side Fulham 2-1. Diego Forlan was the two goal hero, striking the first of the match after 30 minutes and leaving it late to grab the winner, just four minutes from the end of extra time. The Uruguayan has saved his best for Europe this season, with the English bearing the brunt of his razor-sharp finishing. Call it revenge after his barren spell at Manchester United, but the hitman has scored crucial goals against Liverpool and Fulham, almost single-handedly driving Atleti to Euro glory. But this was no one-man-show. Forlan was aided by an electric performance from Sergio Agüero and solid displays from youngsters Dominguez and David de Gea, as Atleti overcame a resolute Fulham side to snatch the trophy just as the dreaded penalty shootout was approaching. 

You have to take your proverbial hat off to Fulham, who have been nothing short of an absolute revelation in this tournament. Mohamed Al Fayeds team refuse to back down from a fight, taking little time to claw themselves back into the final with an equaliser through Welshman Simon Davies. Zoltan Gera and Dickson Etuhu put in admirable shifts, but they were hampered early in the second half as their menacing focal point, Bobby Zamora, was forced off injured, leaving them glaringly short of presence up front. Atletico carried the greater threat throughout, especially when 'El Kun' grabbed hold of the ball. The Argentine was a constant menace for Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes, and it was their failure to deal with his incisive runs that ultimately cost them. It was desparately sad for the neutral to see Roy Hodgson and his unfancied team of veterans fall at the last hurdle, but Fulham more than contributed to what was a hotly contested final, dominated by two imposing defences. They simply lacked the class and ruthlessness of Agüero and Forlan.

There have been some miserable moments down the years for Atleti; a perpetual suffering as the club hurdled crisis after crisis. Yet it makes moments like this even sweeter. The Neptune Fountain finally got the celebration it's been lacking since 1962. The man who has turned it all around at the Vicente Calderon, Quique Sanches Florez, was flung in the air by his ecstatic players in the frenzied celebrations after Antonio Lopez lifted the trophy; a clear sign of their admiration for the former Valencia coach. The job Quique has done since he arrived early  this season to replace Abel Resino simply cannot be underestimated. Back on October 23rd he entered into an undignified mess. Seven months later they have the Europa League in the cabinet and a Copa del Rey final to look forward to in one weeks time. He has etched himself a place in Atleti folklore.

So a massive congratulations to Atletico Madrid and all their fiercely loyal supporters, who have waited almost half a century for another taste of European silverware. On to the Camp Nou for Round two.

Atletico Madrid v Fulham: Europa League Final Preview

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!

Europa League: Forlan sends jubilant Atletico packing to Hamburg!

Liverpool 2 - 1 Atletico Madrid
(1-0) 43' Aquilani, (2-0) 94' Benayoun, (2-1) 102' Forlan

Heros. The lot of them. Atletico Madrid fought back from the brink of elimination  to plant themselves in next months Europa League final in Hamburg, where they will face Roy Hodgsons Fulham. After a season full of desparate lows and blissful highs, Atleti find themselves in two cup finals. Quite how they manage to mix dismal defeats at home with passionate performances on the continent is beyond the understanding of even the hardened footballing connoisseur. I guess you could say they do it their way. The Atleti way. Tonight, years of lost pride were recovered. They played with their hearts on their sleeves. Something the fans felt had been severely lacking in recent years. It came at the right time.

But boy did they suffer. Liverpool came out of the traps in predictably hungry mood, with David de Gea and his defence having to be on their toes as early as the first minute as Kuyt and Gerrard threatened. Strangely, as the first half unfolded and Liverpools initial bombardment subsided, the Atletico players broke into what was almost a swagger. Liverpool lacked the relentless intensity they would surely have offered had it been a Champions League tie. Atletico sensed that against a Liverpool side without Fernando Torres they were more than a match for their illustrious hosts. A daunting trip to Anfield? Or a walk in Stanley Park? It seemed to good to be true, so it felt inevitable when as halftime approached, Alberto Aquilani drew Liverpool level in the tie with an exquisite swivel and shot that creeped inside the post. Suddenly the Kop was in full voice and Atleti were back in a war of attrition. End to end football, with little end result, characterised the second half, as both teams looked to attack at every opportunity.

As the teams entered into extra time, you felt it was Liverpool more than Atleti that were happy to let the tie be decided from the spot. Out of nowhere, a sumptuous chipped pass set Yossi Benayoun free in the area, with the Israeli making no mistake with his drilled first time shot across De Gea. Now it was Liverpool who were minutes away from Hamburg. Yet even after this potentially fatal setback, Atletico refused to buckle. Instead, eight minutes later, Jose Antonio Reyes bolted in from the right, ghosted past Glen Johnson and lifted a pass towards Diego Forlan that was worthy of a trip to Hamburg in its own right. As you'd expect, Forlan made no mistake from 2 yards out. The former Man Utd striker hadn't had a sniff all night, but he timed his strike to perfection. It only remained for Atleti to survive a frantic finale which saw Liverpool throw bodies forward in a desparate search for that decisive third goal. It never came.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations from a jubilant Atletico who reach a European final, 26 years after their appearance in the European Cup final of 1974. If they win it would be their first European trophy since 1962 when they won the European Cups Winners Cup. Only Fulham stand between Atletico and history. Even if they lose, those players have retained pride that has been lost over years of mediocrity. Atletico are a European force once more.

Europa League: Atletico Madrid take giant leap towards Hamburg

Atletico Madrid 1 - 0 Liverpool
(1-0) 8' Forlan

Atletico Madrid put one foot in Hamburg as they downed Liverpool in the Vicente Calderon courtesy of a Diego Forlan strike after only 8 minutes. As shocking as they have been recently in La Liga, they returned to something like their best tonight as they took advantage of a disjointed Liverpool display to record a vital first leg victory. The defence was unrecognisable from the back four that capitulated against Xerez in their last home encounter. Organised, attentive and competitive. Luis Perea has been the laughing stock of Spain at times this season but tonight was his night. The Columbian was superb.

Jose Antonio Reyes delivered another dazzling performance that will have Vicente Del Bosque taking note. The man from Utrera was unplayable. Surging runs, nifty footwork and passes that deserved goals. How he merited the ovation he was afforded when subbed in injury time. Diego Forlan, got the all-important winner, a scrappy finish, offering another olive branch to the fans who had lost faith in their goal machine. The chance was created by Jurado; hardly the crowds choice for Player of the Year himself, but another whose stock rose above the waterline with a gritty display.

Blunted by the loss of Atleti hero, Fernando Torres, Liverpool only ever ruffled Atletico when Steven Gerrard broke free in the area only to shoot against the side-netting. Infact, the advantage Atleti take to Anfield could well have been greater. Pepe Reina reminding his compatriots just why he's their number two with a stunning reflex save from Simoa that has kept his team in with a shout. With Sergio Agüero available for the second leg, you wouldnt bet against an away goal, which would leave Liverpool needing three to go through. Nearly there.

Europa League: Valencia 2 - 2 Atletico Madrid (Highlights)

It promised goals and it didn't disappoint. Pure entertainment from the two Spanish teams left in the Europa League, as Atletico Madrid and Valencia treated us to a feast of football in the Mestalla. The first half ended goalless after 45 minutes of end-to-end football, with Simao coming closest to breaking the stalemate with a curler which struck Cesars post, whilst David Villa had a goal ruled out for offside. Sergio Agüero was at his mischievous best, and when he broke free without a defender in sight 13 minutes into the second half, he unselfishly squared to his best bud Diego Forlán who had the simple task of tapping in. Atleti fans will have been pleased to see them celebrate the goal with a manly hug. Friends again? 

What will have really pleased Quique was a defensive performance that handled Valencias front quartet with relative comfort, bar some magical moments from David Silva that few defences in world football could cope with. And there wasn't a error in sight as Valencias equaliser came from distance, and what a goal it was. A bullet of a shot from Manuel Fernandes that flew through Raul Garcias legs and past a helpless De Gea. That guy has a sledgehammer of a right foot. Five minutes later, Atletico nudged themselves back infront, with little full-back Antonio Lopez nodding in after Dominguez had headed a corner back across goal. Two away goals that could prove priceless. David Villa got Valencia back on level terms, with a typically sharp finish after good work from young Jordi Alba and Vicente, as next weeks clash at the Vicente Calderon promises to be a classic.

Europa League Draw: Valencia and Atletico drawn together

The Europa League draw wasn't quite as kind on La Liga as the Champions League draw, as the only two Spanish sides left in the competition, Valencia and Atletico Madrid, were pitted against each other. To top it all off, the winner will most probably face competition favourites Liverpool in the semi-final. Even so it promises to be an electric clash between two sides that attack with relish and defend hesitantly. I predict a few goals in that one. Any tie with Diego Forlan, Sergio Agüero, David Villa and David Silva has goals written all over it. My prediction? Heart says Atletico, head says Valencia.

EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER/SEMI DRAW:

Sporting Lisbon 2 - 2 Atletico Madrid | Werder Bremen 4 - 4 Valencia

Virtuoso performances from David Villa and Sergio Agüero ensured the Spanish contigent of Atletico Madrid and Valencia passed through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. On a night full of goals, Sergio Agüero provided two of his own, as his one-man show in the first half was enough to push Atlético over the line. The diminutive striker, one of the best around on his day, was unplayable during the first 45 minutes. He set his first strike in motion as his burst set Simao away in the third minute, and when Antonio Lopez finally played the ball into the box, Agüero was there at the front post to knock the ball in and give Atletico a priceless early away goal. Although Atletico fell asleep to allow Leidson to draw Sporting level on the night, Agüero put his side firmly in the driving seat with a clever cutback and finish after a delightful through ball from Jose Antonio Reyes. Atletico dozed off again when Polga was given far too much time and space in the area to nod past De Gea, and the tie was very much in the balance from then on. But David de Gea was not going to let another one past, and Atleti held on to reach the quarters of a European competition for the first time in 11 years.

As for Valencias tie, where do you start. Eight goals, countless chances and incredible tension as Valencia and Werder Bremen played out one of the games of the season so far in the Weserstadion. David Villa helped himself to a hattrick as he proved that when it comes to sticking the leather in the net, there are few better in the world. David Silva played a vital role in all of Valencias first three goals as he pulled Werder all over the pitch with his clever movement and cunning passes. But credit must go to Tomas Schaafs team for never throwing in the towel, and every time Valencia looked out of sight, the Germans found another gear and pulled themselves back. Goals from Almeida, Torsten Frings, Marko Marin (one to look out for in the future) and Claudio Pizarro made Valencia sweat for their ticket to the quarters, but thanks to some vital stops from in-form Cesar they made it through to the last eight.

UEFA Europa League: Draws for both Valencia and Atletico Madrid

A strange old night for Atletico Madrid and Valencia in the UEFA Europa League yesterday. Atletico Madrid were unable to take an advantage into their second leg against Sporting Lisbon, who were forced to play for an hour with ten men, and eventually ended the match with nine. Sergio Agüero produced some flashes of individual brilliance, but that aside, the rest of the team failed to make the most of their numerical advantage. Simao and Diego Forlan were particularly disappointing, as Sporting set up a wall of men around their area that Atleti were simply unable to break down. Jose Antonio Reyes was kicked into the ground once more, a tactic which teams seem to be using to halt the man of the moment. Referees really need to crack down on these thuggish tactics, instead of petty nonsense like taking your shirt off when you score.

Talking of petty nonsense, Valencia were cheated out of a solid result against Werder Bremen by a pathetic performance by English ref Martin Atkinson. Not only did he signal a non-existant penalty for a bit of harmless 'grappling' in the box (which you will see 100 times in every match across the continent), but he also sent off Ever Banega, for something nobody saw. Even the German press were baffled. Good going. Torsten Frings made no mistake from the spot for Werder, whilst Juan Mata got the all important goal for Valencia shortly after Banegas dismissal, following good work from Pablo Hernandez. Unai Emery will be delighted with the insistence Valencia showed in going forward, even when down to ten, and he'll feel Valencia still have a chance going into next weeks decider in Bremen. Valencia are also indebted to Cesar, who turned back the years with some wonder saves at the back, which have kept his team in the hunt. The main blow for 'Los Che' was the injury to David Villa, who fell awkwardly on his shoulder, making him a serious doubt for this weekend league match against Barcelona in the Camp Nou.


Uefa Europe League: Round of 16 (First Leg)

Atletico Madrid 0 - 0 Sporting Lisbon

Valencia 1 - 1 Werder Bremen

UEFA Europa League: Atletico, Valencia, Athletic and Villarreal all suffer

A shocking night for the La Liga contingent in the UEFA Europa League as not one out of the four Spanish sides managed a win. Atletico Madrid can count themselves seriously unlucky as they put in another eye-catching performance against Frank Rijkaards Galatasaray, and looked to be on course for a well-earned win through in-form Jose Antonio Reyes' stunning free-kick. But just after the impressive De Gea had been taken off with a muscle strain, the defence went missing for a split second and it was enough for Keita to sneak in unmarked at the backpost to score a precious away goal. The result will be a blow, but playing like this, I wouldn´t bet against Atlético pulling it off in Turkey. They'll need a sharp Diego Forlán, a fired-up Sergio Agüero and for their back four to concentrate for the whole 90 minutes (possible?), but with players like Reyes and Simao hitting top form further up the field, they can travel to Istanbul in confident mood.

Villarreal took an early lead but had to come from behind to draw with Wolfsburg after prolific Brazilian striker Grafite had netted a brace. Athletic Bilbao also came from behind, as Gorka Iraizoz gifted Anderlecht their opener, with the Basque indebted to on-loan defender San Jose who grabbed the equaliser. Struggling Valencia have it all to do in their tie as their poor recent form continued tonight. A 1-0 defeat against Brugges, a red card for David Silva and another defensive injury to contend with, as Matheiu suffered a sprained ankle, capped off a thoroughly dismal evening for 'Los Che'. Unai Emery will be praying David Villas drought doesn't continue for much longer, because without his goals they are suffering. And how many times does that man hit the post?

UEFA Europa League (Round of  32: First Leg)

Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Galatasaray

Villarreal 2 - 2 Wolfsburg

Brugge 1 - 0 Valencia

Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Anderlecht

Champions League Last-16 Draw favours Spanish sides

Looking at that Champions League draw, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla must be licking their lips. None of them were pitted against any of the English sides, and even dangerous teams such as Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Inter Milan have been avoided. Perhaps the toughest tie is that of Real Madrid, who will face Karim Benzemas old team, Lyon, who effectively knocked out Liverpool along with Fiorentina. Barcelona will fancy their chances against a limited Stuttgart team, whilst Sevilla probably got the easiest draw of them all against CSKA Moscow, although a trip to Russia in winter is never pleasant! Having all finished on top of their respective groups, all three Spanish sides will play the second leg at home. Sweet deal.

Elsewhere, David Beckham will return to Old Trafford for the first time since he left in 2003, whilst all eyes will be on Jose Mourinho as he goes back to Stamford Bridge with his Inter Milan team. Fairytale stuff, although I`m sure the English clubs would have wanted easier ride at this stage of the tournament.

What has puzzled me is the plan to play the ties over four matchdays, with one set of matches one week and then the following set the week after. Not sure what the reasoning for that is. So this year, the matches will take place:

FIRST LEG: 16-17 February and  23-24 February

SECOND LEG: 9-10 March and 16-17 March

*Europa League Last-32 Draw:

Club Brugges - Valencia
Villarreal - Wolfsburg
Athletic Bilbao - Anderlecht
Atlético Madrid - Galatasaray

UEFA Europa League: Valencia complete Italian Job

Genoa 1 - 2 Valencia

(0-1)  45' Bruno, (1-1) 51' Crespo, (1-2) 90' Villa

Valencia came through a thrilling encounter in Genoa to finish the group unbeaten, but more importantly on top of the pile, which means they avoid the Champions League rejects, and those other teams that finished top in their groups. The game was end-to-end stuff, with Valencia soaking up some incessant Italian pressure and punching the home side on the counter whenever they were given the ball. Perhaps just as entertaining was Unai Emerys theatrics on the touchline. The man is bonkers, but he is doing a sterling job. David Villa ran his heart out all night in an attempt to offer an escape route for the Valencia midfield and was rewarded with the goal that gave his side a notable victory against a well-organised and dangerous Genoa led by veteran Hernan Crespo.

Europa League Results:

Villarreal 0 - 1 FC Salzburg  (Villarreal finish second and qualify for the next round)

(0-1) 6' Svento

Athletic Bilbao 0 - 3 Werder Bremen (Athletic Bilbao finish second and qualify for the next round)

(0-1) 13' Pizarro, (0-2) 20' Naldo, (0-3) 36' Rosenburg

Europa League Round-up: 05.11.09

Or should I say 'Poor Man's Champions League'. Apologies to any fans of Europa League clubs; I think it's fantastic for them to get extra European experience, extra revenue etc, but I´m just not buying this new gimmick. There was nothing wrong with the set-up of the old UEFA Cup, before they even introduced groups. I just fear the old UEFA Cup has totally lost it's identity in an attempt to emulate a competition they will never be able to rival. It even got to the point where Fulham rested players for a European tie. Unthinkable only a few years ago.

But that's for another time. Today, Villarreal, Valencia and Bilbao were in action from La Liga, all with differing results. Villarreal continued their phoenix from the flames impression, with another rout; this time planting four past Lazio. The 'Yellow Submarine' were even 3-0 up inside 15 minutes. The first saw Pires curl a free-kick into the box which appeared to graze Nilmar's forehead, but sailed straight into the net. A minute later Lazio were down to ten, with a harsh looking sending off for Baronio after he was adjudged to have hit Nilmar in the face. A low Cani drive and a Pires penalty put the contest out of reach. The tie was reduced to ten v ten when Gonzalo was sent off for uprooting Rocchi, but teammate Foggia smashed his penalty high off the bar. The Italians did hit one back through ex-Birmingham man Zárate in the 73rd minute, but Rossi put the icing on the Madrigal cake with another late penalty ten minutes later, to put them in a two-way fight with Lazio for second place in the group.

It´s becoming a bit of a nasty habit for Valencia; being in a position of utter dominance, only to throw it away in the dying moments. Today was impressive, even by their standards. They took a 2-0 lead through a penalty from Joaquin and a scorcher from Maduro. Their opponents, Slavia Prague, had been reduced to ten following the early shower for Senkerik on 47 minutes. There were ten minutes left, and it seemed Valencia would jet off from the Czech capital with three valuable points in the davey crocket. Yet when the final whistle blew, the Czechs had somehow levelled with goals from Janda and Grajciar, which left Unai Ememry to regret the numerous chances his men had to put the match to bed, and the loss of two points that would have had them sitting pretty at the top of the group.

Athletic Bilbao travelled to Nacional of Madeira looking to confirm their passage into the next round, but had to make do with a 1-1 draw with the Portuguese islanders. It was the tale of two penalties (how many today?!) with Nacional converting in the 64th minute through Edgar Silva and old-timer Etxeberria equalising from the spot on 85 minutes. The point puts Bilbao on the brink of qualifying for the knock-out phase, with their only worry coming from their star striker Llorente limping off after 37 minutes. Caparros will hope he's fit for the trip to Racing this weekend.