Lazio appears to be all but out of Europe after their defense put in a poor performance on Thursday at the Olimpico. Radamel Falcao and Atletico Madrid looked fantastic going forward in a 3-1 road win that should all but lock up their progression to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League.
Lazio Vs. Atletico Madrid, 2012 Europa League: Falcao Brilliant In Atleti Win
The home side actually got off to a brilliant start, partially assisted by Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The young Belgian international mishandled a long shot by Antonio Candreva, and Miroslav Klose punched in the rebound in the 19th minute.
Atleti would find a quick equalizer, through Adrian in the 25th minute. Falcao set up the goal with a brilliant header, winning the ball in the air and heading to the back post. Adrian anticipated the header well and had a simple tap-in at the back post to equalize. Atletico Madrid would take the lead in the 37th minute as Falcao got a goal of his own, finishing off a low cross by Diego.
The first half was relatively even, but the second half was dominated by the visitors. Lazio appeared to lack fight and belief, while Atletico Madrid probably should have scored more than one. Their lone goal in the second half came on a brilliant assist by Adrian, who found Falcao at the back post with a great low cross in the 63rd minute. All Falcao had to do was get a slight touch to guide the ball into the net and clinch the win for his team.
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