Europa League Final: Atlético Madrid 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
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Atlético Madrid won the Europa League for the second time in three seasons after defeating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in an all-Spanish final in Bucharest.
Diego Simeone's side were on the front foot straight from kick-off and they opened the scoring when Radamel Falcao curled home a wonderful left-footed effort within the opening seven minutes.
The Colombian striker then doubled their lead just after the half-hour, turning Jon Aurtenetxe inside the six-yard box before blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
Bilbao pushed to get back into the game in the second-half, but to no avail as Atlético put the game to bed with Diego firing home in the final-minutes.
"I am happy for the players and for the fans, tomorrow the kids will be going to school with Atlético shirts on and that's what we want," Simeone said after the game.
"I think the team played really well, and Radamel had an extraordinary game, and his goal took us to victory.
"Now is the time to remember those we all trust, the leadership, the club, the players, I am happy for everyone at Atlético."
Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa said: "I am disappointed, we did not play a good match.
"I am in charge of the strategy of the squad who failed to achieve its objective, which makes the disappointment even greater.
"The feeling of personal responsiblity increases in the sense that the difference in quality of the two teams is not the one shown tonight."
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| Atlético Madrid players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Europa League Photo: AP |
Diego Simeone's side were on the front foot straight from kick-off and they opened the scoring when Radamel Falcao curled home a wonderful left-footed effort within the opening seven minutes.
The Colombian striker then doubled their lead just after the half-hour, turning Jon Aurtenetxe inside the six-yard box before blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
Bilbao pushed to get back into the game in the second-half, but to no avail as Atlético put the game to bed with Diego firing home in the final-minutes.
"I am happy for the players and for the fans, tomorrow the kids will be going to school with Atlético shirts on and that's what we want," Simeone said after the game.
"I think the team played really well, and Radamel had an extraordinary game, and his goal took us to victory.
"Now is the time to remember those we all trust, the leadership, the club, the players, I am happy for everyone at Atlético."
Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa said: "I am disappointed, we did not play a good match.
"I am in charge of the strategy of the squad who failed to achieve its objective, which makes the disappointment even greater.
"The feeling of personal responsiblity increases in the sense that the difference in quality of the two teams is not the one shown tonight."
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