Atletico Madrid disappointed in their opening game of the 2011-12 campaign, recording a narrow 2-1 scoreline advantage in their Europa League tie with Stromsgodset.
With a 2-0 advantage heading into the final 15 minutes of their third qualifying round first-leg match against the Norwegian side, defender Joao Miranda’s red card was quickly followed by Oyvind Storflor’s finish (80)
Diego Forlan played 73 minutes, just four days after his involvement in Uruguay’s Copa America victory, and was involved in the opening goal (53), chipping a ball into the box for Adrian’s control to then set up Jose Antonio Reyes for a side-foot finish past the ‘keeper.
Adrian then played a part in the second goal (73), controlling a long pass down the field and occupying two defenders before bringing in Reyes for his second finish of the night. The team could have earlier scored twice, with both Reyes and Adrian missing chances.
With Miranda’s late expulsion, the Norwegians pulled a goal back through Storflor’s unchecked run from midfield finishing off a cross. Atletico have made a comfortable game somewhat uncomfortable, and face the away leg next week on an artificial pitch.
The game was otherwise noteworthy for the fans’ chants – in favour of Forlan’s rejuvenated position at the club, and accusing David De Gea and Sergio Kun Aguero in particular of being mercenaries in light of their summer departures.
