Atletico Madrid are Europa League champions! Actually, it's probably more accurate to say that Radamel Falcao is Europa League champion, because wherever he goes, the trophy follows. Over the past two years, the aggregate score is Falcao three, rest of planet one, and his two goals in Bucharest saw Atleti dispatch Athletic Bilbao without too many problems.
Atletico Madrid Vs. Athletic Bilbao, 2012 Europa League Final: Final Score 3-0, Atleti Win Europa League
Athletic struggled early and Falcao made them pay, peeling away from his man before sending in a peach of a curler straight into the top corner, with Gorka Iraizoz screened by his own left back. The deficit seemed to spur Marcelo Bielsa’s side into something approaching life, and they managed to put together some neat - if ultimately fruitless - passing moves.
And then a defensive error combined with some lethal skill from Falcao doubled Atleti’s advantage. Fernando Amorebienta gave the ball away at the top of his penalty area and Arda Turan did well to burst down the left flank then send in a low cross. It wasn’t aimed at Falcao, but the striker pounced regardless, leaning to retrieve the ball, using a clever flick to earn himself some space and then slamming home for his brace.
At that point, the match was probably over. Athletic didn't look much better in the second half than they did in the first, although they did have a great chance to get back into the match when Markel Susaeta found himself with the ball and a clear sight of goal six yards out. His shot, however, was well saved by Thibaut Courtois, and Falcao nearly managed to make it three when he rattled Iraizoz's post just seconds later.
With six minutes to go, Atletico sealed the deal. Falcao wasn’t actually involved with this one - it was all Diego, who ran through the Athletic defence before planting a lovely shot straight into the far corner to make it 3-0. There would be no late fightback, and Atleti could celebrate a second Europa League title in three years.
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