MADRID, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid scored an 89th minute goal to take a narrow 2-1 win over Hannover in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal on Thursday.
Eduardo Salvio scored the vital late goal when it looked as if the Spanish side would be obliged to score at least one goal in order to make it through to the last eight.
The game took place in a Vicente Calderon Stadium that was not full, partly as a result of the general strike that was held in Spain on Thursday, but the Atletico players showed they were willing to roll up their sleeves and work against an always difficult German side.
Top scorer Radamal Falcao was again on target for Atletico after just nine minutes and it looked as if it would be a comfortable night for the home side, but the Spaniards seemed to lose confidence after the goal and began to defend their lead rather than look for a second goal.
They were made to pay for that after 38 minutes when Mame Diouf made it 1-1 with a smart finish.
That goal left Atletico with an uphill task and Diego Simeone's side again found their aggressive edge in the second half before they were rewarded by Salvio's late strike to give them the win.
Hannover, meanwhile were well-organized and looked to hit their rivals on the break. A major disadvantage for Atletico is that Juanfran Torres, Gabi Fernandez and Arda Turan were all booked during the game and will be suspended next week.
Meanwhile Valencia lost 2-1 away to AZ Alkmaar, while Athletic Club Bilbao scored a 4-2 win away to German side Schalke 04.