In Pictures: Falcao leads Atlético Madrid to Europa League crown

On the back of a tour de force performance from Falcao, Atlético Madrid claimed the Europa League crown with a 3 – 0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in București’s Arena Națională.

At the break, Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa summoned Inigo Pérez and Ibai Gomez for Ander Iturraspe and Jon Aurtenetxe but after a brief flourish Atlético resolute mid-field play slowed their advances. In the final half-hour Markel Susaeta’s effort to ease Bilbao within one was denied by Atlético goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and it seemed the result was fait accompli as Marcelo Bielsa’s side lacked the finishing touch. At the seventy-ninth minute Falcao saw his effort from eleven metres rasp off the woodwork but shortly thereafter Diego put the match out of reach as he surged through the centre of the area past Fernando Amorebieta before sending a low effort to the right corner of the net to give Atlético Madrid a 3-0 victory and seal the Europa League crown.

In pictures Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao - UEFA Europa League Final

Athletic Bilbao fans enjoy the atmopshere prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

The Europa League trophy on display prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

Athletic Bilbao fans show their support prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

The Atletico Madrid players line up for a team photo prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

The Athletic Bilbao players line up for a team photo prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

Radamel Falcao of Atletico Madrid celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Final.

Miranda of Atletico Madrid competes with Fernando Llorente of Athletic Bilbao.

Tears rolling on Iker Muniain cheeks after Diego kill the game at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

Fernando Llorente of Athletic Bilbao shows his dejection at the end of the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

Iker Muniain of Athletic Bilbao is consoled by team mates Javi Martínez (L) and Inigo Perez at the end.

Gabi of Atletico Madrid lifts the trophy with his team mates.

Atletico Madrid players celebrate victory at the end of the UEFA Europa League Final.

Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone holds the trophy aloft.

Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone is thrown in the air by his players.

On loan Chelsea keeper Thibault Courtois of Atletico Madrid kisses the trophy.