Despite its reputation as one of European football’s most formidable and atmospheric fortresses, Anfield has been the stage for two of Atlético Madrid’s most celebrated victories in recent history.
In 2010, the club secured a place in the Europa League final on Merseyside despite a 2-1 defeat on the night. A crucial extra-time strike from Diego Forlán nullified earlier goals by Alberto Aquilani and Yossi Benayoun, sending Atlético through on away goals following their 1-0 first-leg win at the Vicente Calderón. The team, then managed by Quique Sánchez Flores, went on to defeat Fulham in the final, ending a 48-year wait for a European title.
A decade later, in March 2020, just days before the global onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlético triumphed at Anfield again. They overcame a dominant Liverpool side that was both the reigning European champion and a seemingly unstoppable force in the Premier League. A historic extra-time brace from Marcos Llorente, followed by a late goal from Álvaro Morata, sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory and etched another golden chapter into the club’s history.
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