Leverkusen eliminates Atletico Madrid from Europa League
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Defending Europa League champion Atletico Madrid was held to a 1-1 draw against Leverkusen, which was not enough for the Spanish club as Aris Saloniki wrapped second position in-group B with 2-0 victory against Trondheim on Thursday.
Leverkusen was already qualified for the next round while Madrid had to win the match to maintain their chances. Both teams faced horrible weather and pitch conditions as it was snowing heavily through the match.
The first half ended goalless as the flow of play was effected by the weather.
With beginning of the second half, both sides staged offensively minded soccer, consequently Leverkusen opened the scoring at the 69th minute through striker Patrick Helmes who exploited a prolonged free kick from eleven meters central position to stun Madrid.
Only three minutes later, Madrid fought back with the equalizer of midfielder Fran Merida who netted a terrific buildup play by striker Sergio Aguero.
As the match progressed both squads wasted a bunch of scoring opportunities therefore Atletico Madrid was eliminated from Europa League in group B while Leverkusen finished on first position undefeated with 12 points followed by Aris Saloniki with 10 points, Atletico Madrid with 8 points and Trondheim with three points.
On Friday, the meeting for the next round will be drawn.
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