Hamburg lead final foursome
Thursday, April 8, 2010
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Final hosts Hamburger SV face Fulham FC in one UEFA Europa League semi-final while in the other Club Atlético de Madrid hope to book a place in the showpiece at Liverpool FC's expense.
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An all-English UEFA Europa League final is now a distinct prospect, with Hamburger SV taking on Fulham FC in one semi-final while Club Atlético de Madrid play Liverpool FC in the other.
HSV, whose Hamburg Arena will host the inaugural final on 12 May, overcame R. Standard de Liège in their quarter-final, but will know not to underestimate Roy Hodgson's Fulham. The Cottagers eliminated Bundesliga champions VfL Wolfsburg 3-1 overall to claim a place in a major European semi-final for the first time in their history.
Should Fulham prevail, they could meet Liverpool in an all-Premier League decider. The Reds won 5-3 on aggregate against SL Benfica to make it to the last four while Atlético got the better of Liga rivals Valencia CF on away goals. The semi-finals will take place on 22 and 29 April, with Hamburg and Atlético at home in the opening legs.
