-- Atlético Madrid || The People's Club

[PNE-Adz]

ATLÉTICO LEFT WITH MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB IN SECOND LEG
AS ROMA 3-1 ATLÉTICO MADRID
Taddei 7'
Vucinic 45'
Vucinic 72'
Muntari 80'


[Mirko Vucinic celebrates Roma's 2nd goal.]

+ MATCH EVENTS
- GOALS
7' Taddei
45' Vucinic
72' Vucinic
80' Muntari

- ASSISTS
7' De Rossi
45' Baptista
80' Sinama-Pongolle

- SUBSTITUTIONS
45' Nani on for Maxi Rodriguez
60' Menez on for Baptista
60' Panucci on for Cicinho
64' Pernia on for Lopez
64' Sinama-Pongolle on for Simao

- BOOKINGS
N/A

----------

+ PLAYER RATINGS
- SergioASENJO: 6
- PabloZABALETA: 4
- JonhHEITINGA: 6
- CristianZAPATA: 8
- AntonioLOPEZ: 2
- MaxiRODRIGUEZ: 5
- CleberSANTANA: 8
- SulleyMUNTARI: 8
- SIMAO: 6
- SergioAGUERO: 5
- DiegoFORLAN: 5
- MarianoPERNIA: 5
- NANI: 6
- FlorentSINAMA-PONGOLLE: 6
::::::::::::::::::::::

+ AROUND THE CUP
Bayern Munich 2-2 Barcelona
Werder Bremen 1-1 Rapid Vienna
AC Milan 1-0 Schalke 04

[PNE-Adz]

I've been playing some games which aren't really important. I'm just trying to get to my champions league game with Roma, see if I make it through or not

[PNE-Adz]

LAST 10 MINUTES ARE A JOY TO WATCH; ATLÉTICO ADVANCE
ATLÉTICO MADRID 6-2 AS ROMA
(Atlético Madrid win 7-5 on aggregate.)
Aguero 18'
Aguero 44'
Vucinic 59'
Baptista 74'
Aguero 82'
Sinana-Pongolle 84'
Forlan 86'
Forlan 90'


[Diego Forlan celebrates his stoppage time goal, as Atlético come back from the dead to progress to the semi-finals.]

+ MATCH EVENTS
- GOALS
Aguero 18'
Aguero 44'
Vucinic 59'
Baptista 74'
Aguero 82'
Sinana-Pongolle 84'
Forlan 86'
Forlan 90'

- ASSISTS
18' Simao
44' Simao
74' Taddei
80' Forlan
90' Nani

- SUBSTITUTIONS
59' Menez on for Vucinic
59' Brighi on for Perrotta
82' Assuncao on for Lopez
82' Nani on for Simao
82' Sinama-Pongolle on for Maxi Rodriguez
90' Panucci on for Juan

- BOOKINGS
35' Maxi Rodriguez
----------

+ PLAYER RATINGS
- SergioASENJO: 4
- JonhHEITINGA: 7
- CristianZAPATA: 6
- JUANITO: 4
- PauloASSUNCAO: 6
- SulleyMUNTARI: 8
- CleberSANTANA: 9
- SergioAGUERO: 10
- NANI: 7
- DiegoFORLAN: 9
- FlorentSINAMA-PONGOLLE: 7
- AntonioLOPEZ: 3
- MaxiRODRIGUEZ: 5
- SIMAO: 6
::::::::::::::::::::::

+ AROUND THE CUP
Barcelona 0-0 Bayern Munich (Barcelona win 2-0 on aggregate.)
Rapid Vienna 0-4 WERDER BREMEN (Werder Bremen win 5-1 on aggregate.)
Schalke 04 1-1 AC Milan (AC Milan go through 2-1 on aggregate.)

[PNE-Adz]

ATLÉTICO HIT 4 PAST RECREATIVO
ATLÉTICO MADRID 4-0 RECREATIVO DE HUELVA
Aguero 24'
Assuncao 45'
Assuncao 60'
Forlan 90' (pen)


[In a press conference after the game, Diego Forlan insisted he doesn't know where his future lies after the season ends.]

::::::::::::::::

ATLÉTICO ONE STEP CLOSER TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
ATLÉTICO MADRID 2-1 WERDER BREMEN
Almeida 45'
Aguero 64'
Raul Garcia 78'


[Raul Garcia celebrates his goal for Atlético Madrid.]

[PNE-Adz]

ANOTHER 4 FOR ATLÉTICO, BUT FORLAN INJURED
ATLÉTICO MADRID 4-2 VILLARREAL
Muntari 12'
Rossi 20'
Nihat 48'
Forlan 52'
Forlan 56'
Aguero 90'


[Diego Forlan celebrates putting Atlético back in the lead, but he got injured shortly after.]

:::::::::::::::::::::::

ATLÉTICO DOMINATE OSASUNA
OSASUNA 0-3 ATLÉTICO MADRID
Sinama-Pongolle 21'
Aguero 24'
Simao 34'


[Simao and Sergio Aguero celebrate Simao's goal for Atlético Madrid.]

:::::::::::::::::::::::

ATLÉTICO REACH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL AFTER DEFEATING BREMEN OVER 2 LEGS
WERDER BREMEN 2-2 ATLÉTICO MADRID
(Atlético win 4-3 on aggregate.)
Pizarro 7'
Aguero 45'
Almeida 62'
Forlan 75'


[Diego Forlan celebrates the goal which sent Atlético into the final. They will face Barcelona at the Bernabeu, in Madrid at the end of May.]

[PNE-Adz]

ATLÉTICO WIN, BUT TITLE ALMOST OUT OF SIGHT
ATLÉTICO MADRID 2-1 SEVILLA
Forlan 8'
Aguero 11'
Santana S/O 42'
Zapata S/O 71'
Fabiano 71' (pen)


[Sergio Aguero racked up his 32nd goal of the season, but they could be out of the race for La Liga by next week.]

:::::::::::::::::

DRAW LEAVES ATLÉTICO TO CONCENTRATE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
ALMERIA 1-1 ATLÉTICO MADRID
Piatti 37'
Muntari 51'


[Pablo Piatti celebrates after crushing Atlético Madrid's hopes of winning La Liga.]

[PNE-Adz]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs BARCELONA
LIVE! AT THE SANTIAGO BERNABAU, MADRID



Hello, and we welcome you to the Santiago Bernabau in Madrid, as Sky Sports presents to you the 2010 UEFA Champions League final. Me, Martin Tyler is here with my co-commentator Andy Gray, as we are lined up for a big game here.

Yes Martin, we definately are. Atletico and Barca are big teams in Spain, and with them both playing in their own country, their is going to be a very hostile atmosphere, and with it being in Madrid, I think Atlético have the advantage slightly.

Thanks Adny. Now, let's look at the teams now, starting with Atlético Madrid.




-- Asenjo --
--
-- Heitinga -- Zapata -- Juanito -- Pernia --
--
-- Santana --
--
-- Rodriguez -------------------------- Nani --
--
-- Muntari --
--
-- Aguero -- Sinama-Pongolle --

SUBS
Jiminez
Zabaleta
Pablo
Raul Garcia
Simao
Helmes
Forlan

Some very odd choices their from Abel Resino. One will wonder how Mariano Pernia, at 32 years of age, will be able to cope with the pace of Lionel Messi. Also, another strange choice, is the inclusion of 32 goal man Diego Forlan. Florent Sinama-Pongolle replaces him, and obviously, resino wants pacer, and Sinama will provide that more than Forlán. Also, Simao and Zabaleta are dropped, while Juanito and Nani come in. Let's look at the team for Barcelona.




-- José Pinto --
--
-- Alves -- Puyol -- Marquez -- Abidal --
--
-- Xavi -- Keita -- Iniesta --
--
-- Messi ------------------------------Keirrison --
--
-- Ibrahimovic --

SUBS
Jorquera
Milito
Caceres
Touré
Bojan
Henry
Busquets

A strong Barca line-up here, but one questioning is the arrival of Kerrison to the line-up. A man with no Champions League experience comes into the final, replacing Thierry Henry on the right wing. Let's hope he has a good time against Johnny Heitinga. The game is about to get underway, and let's get to the action.

BARCELONA 0-2 ATLÉTICO MADRID
Simao [73']
Rodriguez [90']

0' - The UEFA Champions League final 2010 is about to kick-off in Madrid. Messi and Ibrahimovic are over the ball, as Barcelona get this match underway.

5' - Aguero has found himself out on the right wing, with him in acres of space, but Eric Abidal is coming to close him down. The Argentinian gets a cross into the box, Sinama-Pongolle gores for the ball, as does Pinto, AND PINTO DROPS IT!!! Sinama has a chance to head Atlético into the lead here.....but he can't execute the finish. A brilliant chance for Atlético in the opening moments here, as an Aguero cross caught out José Pinto, but he made amends by catching the ball 2nd time around.

12' - This game is really end-to-end stuff so far. Nani went close with a shot from 18 yards out for Atlético, and down at the other end, Xavi had an effort blocked by Sergio Asenjo. Neither team is in full control of the ball, as it keeps going back and forth into each half. Great game so far!

22' - Sergio Asenjo has a goal kick to take here for Atlético Madrid. It's played short towards Cristian Zapata, but wait......IBRAHIMOVIC INTERCEPTS! Surely the Swede should fire into the empty net here.......OOOOH, Asenjo gets back to stop the ball from going in! A close call there, as Atlético now really need to wake up and get a grip on the game.

39' - OUCH! Mariano Pernia takes out Lio Messi from behind near the corner flag, and that challenge will certainly warrent a booking. However, nothing is given, and that leaves Sergio Asenjo to build his wall and position it. Ibrahimovic plays the set piece short to Messi, he cuts into the box, and shoots.....OOOH, nearly a goal their! Messi had a shot just inside the box, but the ball flew over the bar. Still 0-0.

45' - And that is that. It's half time at the Santiago Bernabau, and it's all square in the Champions League final between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

Well Andy, Barcelona have definately been the better side in the first half, but they just haven't been able to stick their chances in the goal.

Yes, Martin. It's been a problem today for their attackers, as they can't seem to score. Messi should of scored, and so should of Ibrahimovic. Were yet to see the best of either team yet, and hopefully, we see a goal in the second half.

46' - We are back out for the second half, and we just have to report one change made at the break for Atlético. Florent Sinama-Pongolle is off, and on comes potent striker Diego Forlán. Let's ee if he can break the deadlock today.

58' - Here is Diego Forlan on the ball, and the Uruguayan chips the ball over the defence, Aguero holds off Puyol, and now it's a chance for Aguero to go through on goal. He's beaten Marquez now, as he races away from Puyol. Aguero with a shot......SAVE by Pinto. Great stop by the Barca 'keeper, as he kept alert, and turned that ball away from goal. Atlético make their final substitutions, as they go more attacking, and Simao and Raul Garcia are on for Nani and Pernia.

73' - That's a bad challenge by Xavi on Forlán, and Atlético win a free kick on the halfway line. Juanito takes it short, and gives it to Cleber Santana. He plays a through ball to Simao.....which catches out the defenders, and Simao has a chance here, Puyol helps the ball into the box, SIMAOOOO....GOOOOOALL! Simao breaks the deadlock, and the substitute shocks Barcelona, putting Atlético ahead with just 14 minutes remaining.

I have to credit Resino for this one, the change of tactics has improved the team dramatically. It was poor defending for the goal though, as Simao lost his marker, I think it was Alves, and Puyol couldn't overpower the Portugese winger off the ball, but it was a great finish by Simao.

90' - I don't believe this. The tension is absolutely unbearable here! The Atlético hfans are ready to burst out with a scream of cheers, but Barcelona win a corner. Very unpredictable game.

Pinto is coming up for this, as Ibrahimovic will take it. Into the box it goes....and Muntari heads it away.....NOW, ATLÉTICO ON THE BREAKAWAY! Rodriguez has the ball in his own half, with an empty net 70 yards away. He gets into the Barca half, 45 yards out, nobody tackling him, tries a low shot, it's trickling in.....GOOOALL! That's it, game over, Atlético go 2-0 up in stoppage time. Rodriguez smashes into an empty net from 45 yards out, to put the icing on the cake for Atlético. Abel Resino is buzzing, he can't wait for this match to end.

Still more action, as Heitinga gets a yellow card for a foul on Bojan. Ibrahimovic drills in the free-kic...saved well by Asenjo! The young Spanish keeper boots the ball downfield.....IT'S ALL OVER! The referee blows the full time whistle, and Atlético Madrid are champions of Europe. Nobody expected this outcome 9 months ago, but it's reality now.....Atlético Madrid, champions of Europe. Goodnight everyone.

[PNE-Adz]

ANOTHER DRAW DISSAPOINTS FANS
ATLÉTICO MADRID 0-0 CELTA VIGO


[Diego Forlan just couldn't hit the back of the net for Atlético vs Celta Vigo.]

:::::::::::::::::::::

PERNIA SCORERS RARE GOAL FOR ATLÉTICO
REAL BETIS 1-2 ATLÉTICO MADRID
Tchite 24'
Simao 26'
Pernia 84'


[Mariano Pernia celebrates a rare goal as Atlético romp to victory.]

:::::::::::::::::::::

NO REPEAT OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
ATLÉTICO MADRID 1-2 BARCELONA
Ibrahimovic 25'
Forlan 34'
Messi 68'


[Barcelona got revenge for their Champions League humiliation, defeating Atlétic at the Vicente Calderon.]

:::::::::::::::::::::

FINAL LEAGUE GAME OF SEASON; ALL SQUARE IN MADRID DERBY
REAL MADRID 1-1 ATLÉTICO MADRID
Kaka 44'
Santana 73'


[Kaka celebrates the opening goal at the Santiago Bernabau.]

:::::::::::::::::::::::

COPA DEL REY GOES TO ATLÉTICO
ATLÉTICO MADRID 3-0 RACING SANTANDER
Forlan 29'
Rodriguez 39'
Aguero 40'


[Atlético Madrid celebrated the double; the Copa Del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League this season.]

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

LEAGUE TABLE


[Valencia were La Liga champions this year, after an impressive campaign.]

1. Valencia - 85 pts
2. Barcelona - 77 pts
3. Real Madrid - 76 pts
4. ATLÉTICO MADRID - 72 pts
5. Real Mallorca - 67 pts
6. Getafe - 60 pts
7. Villarreal - 59 pts
8. Athletic Bilbao - 58 pts
9. Sevilla - 55 pts
10. Espanyol - 53 pts
11. Recreativo de Huelva - 52 pts
12. Deportivo La Coruna - 49 pts
13. Osasuna - 47 pts
14. Almeria - 46 pts
15. Real Betis - 43 pts
16. Racing Santander - 40 pts
17. Real Valladolid - 39 pts
18. Celta Vigo - 32 pts
19. Real Zaragoza - 26 pts
20. Real Sociedad - 16 pts

TOP SCORERS


[Diego Forlan was La Liga's top scorer again. racking up an impressive 34 goals.]

1. Diego Forlán (Atlético Madrid): 34 goals
2. Sergio Aguero (Atlético Madrid): 33 goals
3. Luis Fabiano (Sevilla): 32 goals
4. Javi Guerrero (Recreativo): 32 goals
5. Freddie Kanoute (Sevilla): 31 goals
6. Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid): 27 goals
7. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): 27 goals
8. Soldado (Getafe): 24 goals
9. David Villa (Valencia): 24 goals
10. Raul Tamudo (Espanyol): 23 goals

CLEAN SHEETS


[Atlético win another award, this time it's Sergio Asenjo with most clean sheets.]

1. Sergio Asenjo (Atlético Madrid): 26 clean sheets
2. Andres Palop (Sevilla): 22 clean sheets
3. Renan (Valencia): 21 clean sheets
4. Vladimir Stojkovic (Getafe): 21 clean sheets
5. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid): 20 clean sheets
6. José Pinto (Barcelona): 17 clean sheets
7. Diego López (Villarreal): 15 clean sheets
8. Iraizoz (Athletic Bilbao): 13 clean sheets
9. Riesgo (Recreativo): 13 clean sheets
10. Diego Alves (Almiera):13 clean sheets

ATLÉTICO MADRID TOP SCORERS


[Diego Forlán and Sergio Aguero were the best strike partnership in La Liga, notching 65 goals between them.]

Diego Forlán: 34 goals
Sergio Aguero: 33 goals
Maxi Rodriguez: 14 goals
Sulley Muntari: 11 goals
Simao: 11 goals
Cleber Santana: 9 goals
Florent Sinama-Pongolle: 8 goals
Paulo Assuncao: 8 goals
Antonio Lopez: 3 goals
Patrick Helmes: 2 goals
Valera: 1 goal
Raul Garcia: 1 goal
Pernia: 1 goal

TEAM OF THE SEASON
GOALKEEPER
Renan (Valencia)

DEFENDERS
Zé Castro (Deportivo)
Franck Signorino (Getafe)
Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia)
Marcelo (Real Madrid)

MIDFIELDERS
Xavi (Barcelona)
Iniesta (Barcelona)
Kaka (Real Madrid)
David Silva (Valencia)

STRIKERS
Javi Guerrero (Recreativo)
Walter Abreu (Real Sociedad)