Tonight’s Europa League’s fixtures saw Benfica host Liverpool, Fulham entertaining Wolfsburg, Standard Liege travel to Hamburg and Atletico Madrid travelling to Valencia.

Benfica 2–1 Liverpool

It didn’t take long for Liverpool to take the lead in this match as Daniel Agger got the opener as he headed the away side in the lead after scoring from a Steven Gerrard free-kick. Liverpool’s night took a bad turn soon after as Ryan Babel got himself sent off for seeming to say something to the referee as he didn’t hesitate to show the red card. Benfica took advantage of having the extra man as Insua brought down Aimar in the box for Cardozo to score from the spot. Benfica took the lead soon after with another penalty and Cardozo stepped up again to give the Portuguese side the lead.

Fulham 2–1 Wolfsburg

Both teams went in at the half time break at 0-0 with both having chances in what seems to be an even game. It was Fulham who got the first goal of the second half as Bobby Zamora curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. It didn’t take long for Fulham to double their lead as Damien Duff scored from 15 yards out. Wolfsburg got what could be an important away goal when Madlung scored from a well worked corner.

Hamburg 2–1 Standard Liege

Standard Liege took the lead when striker Dieudonne Mbokani scored from a corner. It didn’t last long though as Hamburg struck back with Petric from the spot and soon later Hamburg were in the lead as van Nistelrooy scored moments before half-time.

Valencia 2–2 Atletico Madrid

Spanish giants met in the Europa League went in at half-time at 0-0. Poor defending from Valencia and Atletico Madrid take advantage of it as Diego Forlan scores for the away side. Valencia soon got a goal back when Fernandes brings the ball down on the edge of the box and finds the bottom corner. Atletico Madrid re-took the lead as Lopez nodded in unchallenged from a corner. Valencia came back for the second time in the match to get the draw as David Villa struck with 8 minute remaining.

David Osterland