Fulham falls to Atletico Madrid in Europa Final

Fulham's hearts were broken Wednesday night in Germany as Diego Forlan's goal late in extra time lifted Atletico Madrid to the Europa League Final victory.  Fulham had scratched and clawed all night long, just as they had throughout the competition.  A 32nd minute goal from Diego Forlan opened the scoring in the first half, but Fulham was quick to answer through Simon Davies.

The nail biter was nothing new for the EPL side that had staged dramatic rallies in getting to the Europa Final, but Atletico were just a bit better.  Atletico peppered Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer with 19 shots.  Fulham stood strong and almost were able to keep the strong Madrid attack off the board until Forlan struck late with only miutes remaining.

So you can call Diego Forlan the English killer as his strike took out Liverpool in the semifinals and his two goal effort lifted Atletico in the final.  Fulham's march was a wonderful accomplishment.  Hopefully Fulham can keep the squad in tact as seven players are out of contract.  Coach Roy Hodgson is also being linked with a move to Liverpool so one can only hope this is not the end of the success at Fulham.