Fulham's dream shattered in dying moments

2010-05-13 1


Fulham have been denied a historic Europa League title by a cruel extra-time goal.


The west Londoners were drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in extra time in the final of the competition when a sickening deflection ended their dreams.


Uruguay striker Diego Forlan had given the Spaniards the lead in the 32nd minute when he sidefooted home after a mishit pass from Argentine forward Sergio Aguero.


But Simon Davies levelled five minutes later with a superbly taken volley at the far post.


In the dying moments, Aguero played a low cross to Forlan, whose flicked shot hit the inside of Brede Hangeland's leg before sneaking in at the far post to give Atletico a 2-1 win, breaking the hearts of the travelling Fulham supporters.


The final was the culmination of a fairytale international campaign by Roy Hodgson's men, who saw off Shakhtar Donetsk, German champions Wolfsburg and Italian giants Juventus to reach the final.