A Diego Forlan goal in the first half gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 home victory over English side Liverpool in the first leg of the Europa League semi final on Thursday. The Uruguayan striker scored what proved to be the winner after nine minutes. A left-wing Jurado cross found the unmarked Forlan inside the area after some poor defending from the visitors. The former Manchester United failed to make contact with the ball on his first attempt but made no mistake from the second after it fell to his feet again, poking home past keeper Pep Reina. Atletico missed several other chances which could have given them a comfortable advantage. The second leg will take place at Anfield next Thursday.