Atlético 2-1 Hannover 96

It would take more than a measly general strike to prevent tonight’s Europa League action in the Calderón from taking place. The strong Hannover contingent that braved the trip over to the Spanish capital to see their beloved Die Roten take on Atlético Madrid had a city of closed bars, filthy streets and large manifestations to keep them entertained during the build-up to this highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between the eighth placed sides of both la Primera liga and the Bundesliga. However, the travelling fans’ midweek get-away was spoiled as a sensational Salvio winner near the end saw the Germans lose 2-1 despite putting in a decent performance.

Even Neptuno took the today off 

For the first time since taking up the reigns at the South Madrid club Simeone had a wealth of options at his disposal. Diego, Arda and Tiago were all back but the Argentine, probably with an eye to salvaging the floundering domestic campaign, opted to start with a more “well-oiled” team. Arda, Juanfran and Miranda were the only changes from Sunday’s loss to Zaragoza but from the start this looked like a completely different team. With an eagerness that was nowhere to be seen in the Romerada on Sunday, los rojiblancos got off to a perfect start when a lofted free kick from Gabi towards the Hannover back stick found Falcao who, with the faintest of touches, directed the ball past Kieler into the top right-hand corner.

Not content with a one nil lead so early on Atleti -- spurred on by Cholo’s midweek “now we’ll see who the real men are” comments -- continued to press the Germans and were perhaps unlucky not to extend their advantage with Adrian shooting wide off the mark or when Falcao could only steer a cross from Arda on the left over the visitors’ bar from within the six yard box.

However, just as things were looking up for the home side Diouf managed to bag his seventh goal in eleven games when he lost his marker (Miranda) and got onto the end of Stindl’s inviting cross. The on-loan United striker’s goal did come against the run of play, but nonetheless it made for a rather muted half time in the 60,000 seater stadium.

The second half began with Juanfran making a penetrating run through the heart of the Hannover midfield before feeding Falcao in on the right, but the Colombian could only hook his shot wide. However, Alteti weren’t to keep up this pace as the Germans seemed far more of threatening during the second period, especially when Didier Ya Konan came on for Manuel Schmiedebach. The Ivorian player almost became the architect of a carbon copy goal for Hannover when he sent in a tantalizing low ball in for Diouf, however this time the Ivorian blasted the ball straight at Courtois. Up until Salvio’s heroics at the end that was the best chance of the half.

Pre-match warm up

Before that Diego made his long awaited return to the Calderon, coming on for a hard working Koke. The Brazilian’s first real contribution came when he sucked in a few Hannover midfielders before finding Felipe in acres of space. The left full fired in a dangerous ball across the German goal but Falcao was unable to stretch out his foot enough to get a touch.

Hannover always looked capable of causing problems on the break once Ya Konan came on and Atleti were given a tougher time all round in the middle of the park during the last half hour.

Things were looking desperate towards the end for Simeone’s side as they looked to regain the lead. Humping long balls into Falcao became the name of the game, and in the 88^th minute it paid off with the ball landing at the feet of the recently introduced Salvio, who adjusted himself with one touch before magnificently curling the ball into the top corner, far from Kieler’s reach. The home side could have added another moments later but Diego’s cleanly hit bicycle kick was well saved.

In the post-match press conference Hannover coach Mirko Slomka stated that “Atlético is in the driving seat for the return leg, and with the experience in their squad we will have to take the game to them”. It was a good result for los colchoneros and importantly a morale boosting one, given the week the slating they received after the Zaragoza game. The stands went into raptures at the final whistle, however with Juanfran, Gabi and Arda all picking up suspensions, the second leg is not going to be a stroll in the park, especially considering Hannover’s undefeated record in the AWD-Arena this season.

Fact: Falcoa’s first half effort was Atlético Madrid’s 400^th European goal

Result: Atleti 2- 1 Hannover (Falcao, Diouf, Salvio)