All the goals were scored in the second half at the Mestalla, with Atletico twice going ahead through Diego Forlan and Antonio Lopez, and Valencia equalising each time thanks to goals from Manuel Fernandes and David Villa.

The only surprise was that it took until almost the hour mark to break the deadlock, with both sides creating a host of chances in the first half.

Ten-man Liverpool were undone by two harsh penalty decisions and an at-times shambolic refereeing display as they lost 2-1 to Benfica in a hostile Europa League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.

Daniel Agger gave his side the perfect start in the ninth minute but things took a turn for the worse when Ryan Babel was dismissed on the half hour for thrusting a hand in Luisao's face.

Oscar Cardozo wasted numerous chances before converting two spot-kicks but with an away goal Rafael Benitez's side still have hope for the return leg.

The other English team in action tonight fared better as Fulham moved closer to a fairytale Europa League semi-final by posting a 2-1 win over German champions Wolfsburg at Craven Cottage.

A late goal from Alexander Madlung tainted the night for Roy Hodgson's side, who had taken the lead thanks to second-half goals from Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff.

Zamora's 18th of the season was followed by a controversial cupped-ear celebration aimed at the home fans before the striker played in Duff for Fulham's second.

The Cottagers looked set for a two-goal victory margin before Madlung rose to beat Mark Schwarzer just before the death to leave the tie finely poised going into next week's second leg in Germany.

Hamburg kept alive their dreams of playing in the Europa League final at their home stadium by edging their quarter-final first leg 2-1 against Standard Liege.

The Belgian side took the lead after 31 minutes through Dieumerci Mbokani but Mladen Petric equalised from the spot for HSV three minutes before the interval and Ruud van Nistelrooy completed the turnaround on the stroke of half-time.

The return leg will be played next Thursday in Belgium with the winner set to take on either Fulham or Wolfsburg in the last four.

The final will be played on May 12 at Hamburg's HSH Nordbank Arena.