Liverpool's grueling journey over land took its toll as the five-time European champion lost 1-0 at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal Thursday, but Fulham managed a 0-0 draw at Hamburg despite a 17-hour coach trip. Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan scored after just nine minutes to clinch Atletico's victory over Liverpool, which was annoyed that Yossi Benayoun had a goal ruled out for offside. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez wouldn't blame the 1,900-km journey by coach, train and eventually plane after UEFA insisted the match go ahead despite volcanic ash plumes grounding flights across Europe for six days until late Tuesday. Showing few affects of its coach trip from London to Germany, Fulham had goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and its solid - and alert - defense to thank for leaving Hamburg, the venue for the May 12 final, without conceding. Atletico was missing striker Sergio Aguero due to suspension and Forlan took his place partnering Jose Manuel Jurado up front. They combined quickly to give the Spanish side the edge. While Forlan failed to make a clean connection with Jurado's cross with an initial header, the Uruguay forward still managed to tap the ball into the net from close range past Pepe Reina. Liverpool, which was missing Atletico striker Fernando Torres due to injury, relied on David Ngog to lead the attack. Dirk Kuyt created a rare Liverpool opening chance in the 18th, feeding a through ball to the unmarked Benayoun, who found the net only to be ruled offside. Forlan should have scored again at the start of the second half. Jose Antonio Reyes looped a pass over the defense, but instead of rounding Reina, Forlan attempted to lob the Spaniard and his shot was saved. Fulham already has knocked out UEFA Cup champion Shakhtar Donetsk, overturned a 4-1 deficit against powerhouse Juventus and ousted Bundesliga winner Wolfsburg, and is now two wins away from claiming its first major title. And Zoltan Gera could have celebrated his 31st birthday in style but his deflected shot went just wide in the 14th - the best chance for either side in the first half. The pace picked up after the break and Schwarzer made a trio of fine saves in a short spell, stopping consecutive shots from Jonathan Pitroipa and Piotr Trochowski and then repelling a powerful effort from David Jarolim. The Australia goalkeeper dived to his right to stop a late effort by substitute striker Mladen Petric, who also fired another shot shortly afterward that went high. Portsmouth denied spot Portsmouth will not play in next season's Europa League after English football authorities decided against helping the relegated Premier League club apply belatedly for a UEFA license. The FA and Premier League said in a joint statement Thursday that they “shall not consider any late application or granting of a UEFA club license.” England's extra Europa League spot will go to the seventh-place Premier League team - currently Liverpool.
