Trotters hold firm to seal progress after Madrid battle

BOLTON’S European adventure continued last night after a goalless draw saw them dump out Spanish giants Atletico Madrid to reach the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Holding a slender 1-0 lead from last week’s first leg, Wanderers produced a perfect defensive performance in the Spanish capital to frustrate the home side and claim a famous scalp.

That result was enough to send Gary Megson’s side through to a meeting against Sporting Lisbon in the next round.

Despite their first-leg advantage, the odds were still stacked against Bolton coming into last night’s encounter, with Atletico never having lost at home to an English club in European competition.

The Spaniards poor recent form, which has seen them lose five of their last eight competitive matches, gave Bolton hope, and the Trotters added to those woes with a battling display that left Atletico empty-handed and out of Europe.

Playing with Kevin Davies as a lone frontman, Bolton made it difficult for the hosts to create clear-cut chances.

Luis Garcia had arguably Atletico’s best chance when Diego Forlan’s low cross found him unmarked at the far post.

However, the former Liverpool player blazed over with only Jussi Jaaskelainen to beat.

Forlan, the ex-Manchester United striker, also had a decent opening in the 22nd minute but he headed wide from 10 yards out.

Away from the pitch, riot police were called into action following trouble behind the goal where Atletico fans are normally housed.

Home goalkeeper Abbiati twice ventured upfield in the closing stages for a corner and free-kick, but Bolton saw off the danger en route to celebrating a famous win.

ATLETICO MADRID: Abbiati, Pernia, Pablo (Mista 67), Antonio Lopez, Perea, Jurado, Cleber Santana, Maxi, Luis Garcia (De Miguel 54), Reyes, Forlan.

BOLTON: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Andrew O’Brien, Cahill, Samuel, Giannakopoulos (Diouf 59), McCann (Campo 58), Nolan, Joey O’Brien (Meite 85), Taylor, Davies.

Referee: Jacek Granat (Poland).