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Europa League, quarter final, first leg

Valencia 2 - Atlético Madrid 2

There was nothing to choose between the two La Liga sides in their fratricidal Europa League quarter final on Thursday. De Gea had to make a couple of good saves from Mata and Manuel Fernandes, and Simao hit the post at the other end in a lively first half. But the real fun didn't come until after the break when the visitors took the lead on a quick break-away, Agüero unselfishly playing the ball across for Forlán to score. Soon afterwards Fernandes equalised, catching out De Gea with a long shot, but six minutes later Atlético were back in front, Antonio López steering a header past César after Domínguez headed back Simao's corner. Bruno hit the bar and Jurado saw an effort blocked by a defender as the two sides went for broke, but with eight minutes to go Jordi Alba and Vicente combined for Villa to level the scores once again. That sets things up nicely for next week's second leg, although Atlético have the edge thanks to their two away goals. (01.04.10)