Hamburg‘er’ treat: Atletico face Fulham
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hoping his side’s fairytale journey to the Europa League final ends with them lifting their first ever major trophy in Hamburg on Wednesday when they face Atletico Madrid.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hoping his side’s fairytale journey to the Europa League final ends with them lifting their first ever major trophy in Hamburg on Wednesday when they face Atletico Madrid.
However, for Fulham — who have defied the odds this campaign to see off Juventus and Hamburg — to triumph they will need veteran Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to be back to his reliable self.
The Fulham squad flies in on Tuesday morning and Hodgson is hoping the flight leaves without a hitch having already had problems getting to Hamburg for last month's semifinal.
Hodgson has worries over the fitness of several key players. Striker Bobby Zamora has to overcome an Achilles problem, while defender John Pantsil and Bjorn Helge Riise need to shake off injuries.
Atletico's veteran Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan is excited about the prospect of playing in a European final as he bids to help the Madrid club claim some silverware after a frustrating season.