Radamel Falcao's golden boot and coach Diego Simeone's tactical nous
helped Atletico Madrid secure a second Europa League title in three
seasons with a commanding 3-0 win over fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao
on Wednesday.
Colombian striker Falcao struck two superb goals, having also hit the
winner for Porto in the 2011 final before a big-money move to Spain, and
Brazilian Diego snapped up a late third as Simoene triumphed over
fellow Argentine Marcelo Bielsa.
Falcao, top scorer in the competition for a second straight season,
netted a first-half double to put Atletico in control before Diego, who
was suspended for the 2009 final when with Werder Bremen, sealed an
emphatic win five minutes from time.
"It was a tough match, an extraordinary match, almost perfect," Diego told Spanish television.
Falcao added: "I am grateful for this moment that few players have the
chance to experience, grateful to all the team, my colleagues, the
coaching staff."
It was fitting reward for Simeone who has revitalised 2010 winners
Atletico since taking over in late December at the Calderon, where he
became a fan favourite as a player in winning a league and cup double in
1996.
The 42-year-old former Argentina captain also lifted the Uefa Cup as a player with Inter Milan in 1998.
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