Semi-Final for the Europa League: Episode I.

They were intense matches yesterday as both of the home sides ended up winning. In the all-Spanish tie, Atletico fought a battle of goals with visiting Valencia. While it was only 1-1 at the half, Falcao had given Atletico the lead in the 18th minute but was offered no support in extending the home side's lead. Jonas' 2nd minute of stoppage time goal for Valencia in the 1st half made it 1-1 to provide an air of enthusiasm and expectancy as the sides went into their respective dressing rooms. Returning to the field though, Miranda gave Atletico an early lead with his 49th minute strike. Adrian Lopez then made it 3-1 in the 54th to much acclaim from the home fans. Falcao proceeded to make it 4-1 in the 79th to further raise his tally in the competition. Ricardo Costa's 4th minute of stoppage time goal in the dying minutes of the 2nd half does give Valencia a bit firmer standing for the return leg however Atletico may certainly be considered in control of the tie. In the other match-up, Sporting of Portugal and Athletic Bilbao had quite the back-and-forth battle: while there were no goals in the 1st half, Athletic were able to grab the lead and proceed to lose it. Jon Aurtenetxe was the man to provide Athletic its lead before Emiliano Insua equalized for Sporting and Diego Capel gave the Portuguese side a lead to carry into the 2nd leg. Hope you enjoyed the matches and have a good weekend!