Radamel Falcao’s golden boot and coach Diego Simeone’s tactical nous helped dominant Atletico Madrid claim a second Europa League title in three seasons with a commanding 3-0 win over fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao today.
Colombian striker Falcao struck two superb goals, having also hit the winner for Porto in the 2011 final before a big-money move to Spain, and Brazilian Diego snapped up a late third as Simeone triumphed over fellow Argentine Marcelo Bielsa.
Falcao, top scorer in the competition for a second straight season, netted a first-half double to put Atletico in control before Diego, who was suspended for the 2009 final when with Werder Bremen, sealed an emphatic win five minutes from time.
It was a fitting reward for Simeone who has revitalised 2010 Europa League winners Atletico since taking over in late December at the Calderon, where he became a fan favourite as a player in winning a league and cup double in 1996.
The 42-year-old former Argentina captain also lifted the UEFA Cup as a player with Inter Milan in 1998.