Atletico Madrid took a big step towards a first European final since 1986 by beating Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal on Thursday.
In the ninth minute, Diego Forlan misheaded Jose Manuel Jurado's cross from the left before managing to tap the ball in from close range.
In a cagey opening at Vicente Calderon Stadium, both sides struggled to keep possession as they waited to attack on the break.
But Liverpool's long, mainly overland journey to Madrid due to travel disruptions appeared to have jaded the Reds as they failed to threaten for much of the first half.
Atletico was missing star striker Sergio Aguero due to suspension. In his absence, Forlan partnered Jurado in attack although many of the hosts' threats started with Tomas Ujfalusi pressing forward out of defense and attacking down the right wing with Jose Antonio Reyes.
Liverpool's defense looked nervy and goalkeeper Pepe Reina fumbled a high rebound to give away a corner in the 14th.
In the 15th, Ujfalusi found space on the right flank and fired the ball across the goalmouth.
With Fernando Torres injured and unable to face his former club, David Ngog led the attack for Liverpool.
Dirk Kuyt created a rare chance in the 18th, feeding a through ball to the unmarked Yossi Benayoun, who was ruled offside. Steven Gerrard struck the side netting with a left-footed shot moments later after being set up by Lucas.
Just before halftime, Ujfalusi threatened again, dribbling deep into the area and shooting just wide.
Luis Perea was outstanding in defense for Atletico and he did well to tackle Gerrard as the Liverpool captain burst out of midfield early in the second half.
Atletico struck back and Forlan should have doubled the lead when Reyes looped a pass over the defense to him - although instead of going round the goalkeeper the Uruguay striker could manage only a weak shot.
The hosts started to pressure and Simao Sabrosa drew a fine save from Reina in the 57th, when he struck a cross first time from close range from Ujfalusi.
With Ngog struggling, Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez replaced him with Ryan Babel in the 64th.
In the 77th, Juan Valera came on for Sabrosa for Atletico. Eduardo Salvio then came on for Forlan and Ignacio Camacho replaced Reyes.
For Liverpool, Nabil El Zhar came on for Benayoun.
Liverpool pressured as the final whistle approached although Atletico's defense stayed tight.
A minute's silence was observed before kickoff in tribute to the late Juan Antonio Samaranch, the former president of the International Olympic Committee.
