Atlético comeback confirms progress

Club Atlético de Madrid eased through to the UEFA Cup first round after overcoming Serbian outfit FK Vojvodina despite an early scare in Novi Sad.

Nervy start
Atlético, who are returning to the competition after a seven-season absence, took a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their second qualifying round tie but will still have been nervous after a disappointing first-half showing in which they fell behind to a Vladimir Buac goal on 39 minutes – the forward making the most of a defensive error to score from close range.

García glee
However, Atlético were not about to let their advantage slip and nine minutes into the second half they got the away goal which all but sealed their progress. Former Liverpool FC forward Luis García was the man on the mark, converting with a spectacular volley from Antonio López's cross. Then, 20 minutes later, the Spanish visitors made absolutely sure as new signing Raúl García lobbed Damir Kahriman. Vojvodina had a chance to give the home crowd some cheer when they were awarded a penalty eight minutes from time but they were denied as Christian Abbiati saved Ranko Despotović's effort.