Fulham booked their place in the UEFA Europa League final with a wonderful 2-1 comeback victory over Hamburg at Craven Cottage on Thursday night.
Goalless after the first-leg, Fulham went a goal down to Hamburg in the semi-final concluder when Mladen Petric hit a stunning free-kick from over 30 yards out into the top corner of the net after 22 minutes.
Fulham equalised through Simon Davies’ exquisite craft and finish on 67 minutes but still trailed on the away goals rule.
Zoltan Gera, spurred on by a wild Craven Cottage, got the all-important goal five minutes later after indecision from the Hamburg defence when dealing with a corner.
Manager Roy Hodgson believed that the supporters aided the historic night for the club.
“After going a goal down against the run of play I think we made a major piece of history here tonight in a very special atmosphere. We have beaten a very good team and I’m drained after the emotional rollercoaster. I think lots of teams would have lost their discipline and shape, but we stayed strong.” the Fulham manager said.
Fulham will now face Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final in Hamburg on 12 May.
