Bolton pulled a remarkable victory over Athletico Madrid in yesterday’s UEFA Cup game. A goalless draw in Spain was enough to see them through to the next round as a result of their 1 goal lead at the Reebok during the first leg. Bolton, whose Premier League season has not kickstarted as good as many would have expected, are through thanks to a spirited defensive game produced by Gary Megson’s side.  

To say the least, it was Bolton who came close to scoring in front of the Madrid fans but was solidly formidable at the back, often stopping the home attack. Their starting line up with 1 striker upfront, the talismanic Kevin Davies, it appears that a defensive game was in the cards.

Athelico played with two former English Premier League players, Luis Garcia, who almost scored and Diego Forlan who connected but could not finish. There were various chances too from Mariono Pernia and Jurado too but it was more shooting blanks than finding the net.

At the end, Athletico Madrid had to settle for a  draw which pretty much sum up their journey in the Europe competition this season.  

Another English team that progressed at the UEFA Cup is none other than Everton, who beat SK Brann 8-1 in aggregate. Everton brought with them a 2-0 lead over the Norwegian club from the first leg and brimming with confidence, they came with the intention to win, and win they did, in fact they won in style.

Ayegbeni Yakubu carved his name on the records becoming the third player to score a hattrick in Europe. Other Evertonians include Alan Ball and Andy Gray. This would be the Nigerian’s third hat-trick since coming aboard at Goodison Park. The remarkable feat came about after 23 years when Andy Gray scored the hat-trick then.

Yakubu who was previously fined by manager David Moyes for his late return from the African Nation’s Cup repaid the faith with his performance last night, while Andrew Johnson had two and Mikel Arteta bagged the other one. Everton played without Fernandes, Osman and Yobo but was still able to produce the type of performance worthy of champions.

Everton will next be playing Fiorentina who triumph against Rosenborg. Moyes said 'It was really good, great to score six goals. It was a professional job and we put out a strong team. We couldn't take any chances. We didn't play particularly well (in the first half hour) so you have to give them credit. In the end the finishing quality got us the result. The first goal was crucial no matter who got it’. With yesterday’s scoreline to live by, the Scotsman can now rest assured of another classic clash to come by, 'Fiorentina will be a really good game. I'm looking forward to it.'

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