Dons go down in Madrid

12 April 2012

Aberdeen's hopes of progressing through to the next round of the UEFA Cup suffered a major blow as they were beaten 2-0 by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

Diego Forlan and Simao Sabrosa got the goals for the home side at the Vicente Calderon to leave Aberdeen with just one point from three games - although the second goal rebounded in off Dons goalkeeper Jamie Langfield.

Atletico went close through former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia in the opening minute, before Mariano Pernia struck the inside of Jamie Langfield's left-hand post with a 25-yard effort two minutes later.

Sergio Aguero then broke through the Aberdeen defence in the seventh minute, with only a last-gasp tackle by Richie Byrne denying the in-form Argentinian a clear shot no goal.

Luis Garcia twice went close before the Rojiblancos finally took the lead right on the stroke of half-time - Aguero was brought down inside the area by the sliding Michael Hart and former Manchester United striker Forlan stepped up to send Langfield the wrong way from the spot.

To make matters worse for Aberdeen coach Calderwood, he was forced to make two changes in the opening half, with Jackie McNamara - who was carried off on a stretcher - and James Smith both departing, and Chris Clark and Jeffrey De Visscher taking their places.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre made a change at the break, sending on Portuguese winger Sabrosa for Aguero, but Calderwood understandably opted to keep his final change in hand.

The home side actually looked to be running out of ideas when, thanks to a stroke of luck, they netted their second goal on the hour-mark.

Simao stepped forward after Atletico had won a free-kick 25 yards out, and although his effort struck the inside of Aberdeen's right-hand post, the rebound then hit the diving Langfield before nestling into the net - a goal which was credited to the attacker by UEFA after the match.

The Dons had a great chance to pull a goal back with 20 minutes to go after winning a corner on the left. The flag-kick found its way through to the far post where Lee Miller was standing unmarked, but the 24-year-old failed to get a decent connection on his shot with the goal at his mercy.

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