Heartbreak for heroic Fulham in Europa League Final
For Roy Hodgson’s fearless group of players, last night’s Europa League Final ultimately proved a bridge too far.
After 63 matches of a season which started all the way back in July, fatigue was a cruel inevitability. Sadly for Fulham, it seeped in during the most crucial half hour in the club’s history.
The vibrant atmosphere around the HSH Nordbank Arena, prior to kick-off, was enough to send shivers down the spine. Even those watching back at home would have had goose bumps seeing the Cottagers proudly line up against the mighty Atlético Madrid.
The 12,000 fortunate Fulham fans inside the stadium were intent on making themselves heard, and helped generate a cauldron of noise inside the 57,000-capacity arena, fit to grace any European final. In their heart of hearts, the Fulham faithful still knew they were the plucky underdogs, despite casting aside their “brave little Fulham” tag after a series of sensational results in this competition.
But their Spanish opponents provided the ultimate test. With high-profile players including Diego Forlán, Simão and Sergio Agüero in their ranks, it always promised to unfold as a battle between individual talent and courageous teamwork.
For Atleti’s star Uruguayan striker, Forlán, it was the night where he finally put his tarnished reputation to rights. Branded as a “clown” among other derogatory terms during his spell in England with Manchester United, no-one on British shores can cast such dispersions any more.
The 30-year-old duly broke the deadlock on the 32nd minute to send the travelling Spaniards into raptures. By latching onto a shot from his strike-partner, Agüero, the Uruguayan subsequently wrong-footed the Cottagers’ Mark Schwarzer – and struck a blow to Fulham hearts in the process.
His customary celebration of whipping his shirt off was surprisingly not seen on this occasion, though. He must have had an incline that his defining contribution was still to come.
Fulham had, of course, found themselves in a similar predicament on more than one occasion during this season’s Europa League campaign. They would now have to pick themselves up out of the gutter once again – surely this was one comeback too far-fetched to comprehend?
Hodgson’s men could have been forgiven for allowing their heads to momentarily drop; but their 62-year-old tactician wouldn’t have allowed such negativity to emit from his players. And, true to form, in this remarkable European campaign; just five minutes after Forlán had given Atlético the lead, Fulham were, incredibly, back on level terms.
Simon Davies, who scored that brilliant goal in the semi-final against Hamburg, struck again to etch his name into Fulham folklore. A perfect low volley from a clever Zoltan Gera cross arrowed into the back of the net to fire up Hodgson’s spirited side once again.
The Fulham supporters were revelling in their equaliser, and unleashed a rendition of “Are you Brentford in disguise?” in the direction of their rather baffled Spanish counterparts.
The Cottagers’ shape, discipline and work ethic never deserted them throughout the duration of the final, and despite visibly tiring and having lost their injured frontman Bobby Zamora, who had played for 55 minutes in pain, they still managed to take the match to extra-time.
Agüero and co had all shone in the second-half, proving why they might command such astronomical transfer fees this summer; but they’d ultimately been thwarted by Fulham’s stern defence.
This in itself should be regarded as another triumph for the west-Londoners. The gulf in class between the two clubs - in terms of personnel - was clear for all to see. And on the balance of play, Atlético probably deserved to lift the trophy.
However, the manner in which Fulham eventually lost the biggest match in their history was the real heartbreaker. It was even enough to reduce their on-watching foul-mouthed pop star, Lily Allen, to tears.
With just five minutes left on the clock before a penalty shoot-out which would have given Fulham a real chance of snatching the trophy; that man again, the scourge of Premier League teams in this competition, Forlán, showcased his class once more to seal the coveted trophy for Atlético Madrid.
This time, the shirt did come off. Forlán knew the booking was coming, but he couldn’t have cared less, bundled underneath his entire team.
For Fulham, this was finally the moment when their fairytale campaign was brought to a tear-jerking end. With nothing left to give in the final five minutes, the Cottagers’ admirable efforts had taken their toll, and Hodgson’s historic side would have to make do with a batch of runners-up medals.
Nothing would have consoled Fulham’s players last night; but in the future, they will look back at this incredible run with fond memories and tremendous pride.
With Hodgson reiterating his desire to remain at Craven Cottage next season, and with their chairman Mohammed Al Fayed selling off Harrods for £1.5billion, the future could hardly look rosier for the Premier League outfit. And rest assured, they’ll be back next season, better equipped and complete with this season’s invaluable experience.
It’s been a year which will live long in the memory of every Fulham supporter. Although it may have ultimately had a disappointing ending, there should be nothing but adulation and praise thrust upon the Cottagers for their memorable efforts.
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