Colombia’s Radamel Falcao scored his 100th goal in Europe and secured his team Atletico madrid’s progression to the semi-finals of the Europa League Thursday.
An Adrian Lopez goal added to Atletico’s first-leg 2-1 lead against Hannover 96, Germany, with former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf leveling the tie after half-time. Falcao then separated the sides with a superb late volley, bringing the second-leg to a 2-1 close and a 4-2 win across both games.
The goal was the Colombian’s 100th in European competitions. He has reached the century mark in only three seasons, in which he has played for both FC Porto and Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid’s next game will be an all-Spanish affair after being drawn against Valencia CF, who beat AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands 5-2 on aggregate.
All four teams to make it to the semi-finals of the Europa League come from the Iberian peninsula. Basque club Athletic Bilbao dispatched Germany’s FC Schalke 6-4 on aggregate. Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon narrowly secured a 3-2 aggregate victory against Ukrainians Metalist Kharkiv.
