EL-Hadji Diouf secured a famous win for Bolton as Premier League triumphed over La Liga.

Diouf had the Reebok rocking with his 74th-minute strike to send Gary Megson's side to the Spanish capital next week with a vital advantage.

The Senegal international fired home from eight yards after a Matt Taylor header ricocheted into his path via Pablo Ibanez and Cleber Santana.

Just a minute earlier Atletico had been reduced to 10-men after leading scorer Sergio Aguero was sent-off for spitting.

Bolton boss Gary Megson said: “Atletico have an exceptional squad even without Aguero. We feel 1-0 is a slender lead to take to an exceptional team like them.

“We do know from my time here we have a good team, a solid team and capable of scoring the odd goal away from home. But they are still favourites.”

Diouf's timely goal was his fifth of the campaign and eases the pain of his country's early dismissal from the African Cup of Nations.

And victory, Bolton's first at home since January 2, was nothing more than the Lancastrians deserved. Only Christian Abbiati stood between Taylor and at least a hat-trick. Atletico had scored 23 goals in their previous matches in the competition. But only spasmodically did Spain's fourth-placed side threaten to end Bolton's proud unbeaten European home record.

Wanderers also haven't lost in seven European games this season; a superb feat given their continuing fight against relegation.

Diego Forlan, who made his United debut against the Trotters nearly six years ago, grazed the post from 20 yards early in the second half.

Clinical

And defender Mariano Pernia kept Jussi Jaaskelainen on his toes shortly afterwards.

But Bolton did all the pressing and their endeavour was eventually rewarded with Diouf's clinical finish.

Indeed, Taylor waged his one- man assault on the Madrid goal, guarded less than convincingly by former AC Milan keeper Abbiati.

Taylor looked determined to celebrate his European debut by banishing the memories of his penalty miss at Reading and last Saturday's howler against Portsmouth.

Fellow competition newcomer Gary Cahill saw less of the action; no doubt pleased to see Argentinean wonder boy, Aguero shivering for most of the night on the bench. Indeed, the 19-year-old lasted just 14 minutes before being red-carded; albeit initially for what looked like an innocuous challenge on Taylor.

However, a linesman suggested the Latin American had spat and Aguero now misses the return leg.

And when substitute Jurado flashed a stoppage-time drive well wide of the target, Bolton had an unlikely triumph.

Megson demanded a frenetic Premier League-style tempo from the first whistle. And within 22 seconds Wanderers carved out their first chance.

Nicky Hunt, replacing cup- tied Gretar Steinsson, floated over a cross and Taylor's header forced Abbiati into his first save.

Three minutes later Taylor was on target again, this time with his weaker right foot, and Abbiati's intervention was more desperate.

Indeed, the ex-Portsmouth midfielder peppered the goal with four decent chances in the opening 20 minutes.

Cue a cacophony of noise from the thousands of free thundersticks handed out to Bolton's biggest attendance of the season - 26, 163.

Seven hundred or so Madrillenos ensured the most vibrant atmosphere inside the Reebok for years.

Fast

Unsurprisingly, they gave former Real Madrid star Ivan Campo, playing his first UEFA Cup tie of the season, as much stick as Wanderers supporters dished out to ex-Red Forlan.

Liverpool's Atletico old boys, Fernando Torres and Jose Reina, came to watch their former club. But there was no sign of City's one-time Madrid winger, Martin Petrov.

And the action was suitably fast and furious. Diouf was booked for hacking down Simao and replacement referee Peter Rasmussen might have brandished red had he seen the African ace move his head towards an opponent.

Taylor finished the opening half as he began it, forcing the unconvincing Abbiati into another necessary stop.

Bolton's only scare came in the 13th minute. A free kick from Reyes was destined for the top corner until Jussi Jaaskelainen deflected Ibanez's effort away for a corner.

But Wanderers really needed a lead of any margin to take to the Vicente Calderon Stadium next Thursday.

The Trotters were despatched at the last 32 stage by Marseille two years ago.

However, Diouf's strike gives them every opportunity to progress.

But on the banks of the Rio Manzanares they will still need to reprise this season's heroics in Munich and Belgrade if they are to stand any chance of re-writing club history.

Do you think Bolton will go through? Have your say.

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