Atlético Madrid will play an all-Spanish UEFA Europa League semifinal tie against Valencia after their 4-2 aggregate victory in the quarterfinals over Hannover 96. The German side had an away goal from a 2-1 loss coming into the match on Thursday and put the tie in serious doubt for Atléti in the closing minutes, but Falcao scored a clinching goal to give his team a 2-1 victory on the day.
Hannover Vs. Atletico Madrid, 2012 Europa League: Falcao Fires Atleti Through
After a relatively uneventful first half, Adrian put Atlético Madrid ahead on the day with an absolutely stunning goal in the 63rd minute. Hannover’s defending on the goal was calamitous, but Adrian deserves all the credit in the world for his goal. He set it up for himself by beating three men, including the goalkeeper, then beating Emanuel Pogatetz a second time before hitting a 12-yard shot into the back of the net.
Mame Biram Diouf scored out of absolutely nothing for Hannover in the 81st minute, cutting Atletico's aggregate lead to 3-2. At that point, another Hannover goal would have forced extra time. They never found it, however, and Falcao ended the tie with a great volley from 20 yards out in the 87th minute.
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