Bolton survive Atlético siege

Bolton Wanderers FC put in a sterling defensive performance yet again to frustrate Club Atlético de Madrid and set up a Round of 16 tie with Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Few chances
Holding a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg in Lancashire, Gary Megson's charges again kept the Primera División high-flyers at bay, despite registering just one shot on goal in the Spanish capital. Bolton more than held their own during a quiet first half, while Atlético looked like they were missing the attacking guile of suspended striker Agüero.

Abbiati save
Playing with Kevin Davies as a lone frontman, the Premier League outfit made it difficult for the hosts to create many clear-cut chances in the opening period. Indeed it was the visitors who had a chance to double their aggregate lead inside the opening ten minutes when Stelios Giannakopoulos' shot was tipped over the crossbar by Italian goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

Possession count
Aside from that effort, Atlético enjoyed the better of the possession in the first period without ever looking likely to breakthrough the visitors' rearguard. Luis García spurned Atlético's best chance when he blazed his shot high over the bar following Diego Forlán's low cross.

Off target
The second half started where the first left off, with Atletico looking for that much-needed breakthrough. Full-back Mariano Pernía tried his luck from outside the area but it was no problem for Jussi Jääskeläinen, while Luis García was again off target when he curled wide soon after.

Defensive action
Forlán, Mariano Pernía and Jurado then had three efforts bravely blocked in quick succession following a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, epitomising Bolton's determination to keep the hosts out. Atlético continued to push forward and Jurado had one last sight of goal, however the midfielder shot wide from the edge of the area.