Spanish clubs Valencia and Atletico Madrid drew 2-2 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-finals in Valencia on Thursday night.

The result gives Atletico a clear advantage with the knowledge they have two away goals next to their name but they will be disappointed with the fact that they allowed Valencia to net a late equaliser.

Uruguay star Diego Forlan gave Los Rojiblancos the lead in the 59th minute when he tapped into an empty net after the Madrid club broke with three attackers taking on goalkeeper Cesar giving him no chance but Los Che hit back eight minutes later through Manuel Fernandes struck with powerful 25-yard shot.

However, Atletico got their lead back in the 72nd minute when Antonio Lopez nodded home from close range but it lasted just ten minutes when Valencia's David Villa fired home with low left-footed shot to make it 2-2.