Megson - We are underdogs

Bolton boss expects Spanish test

Last updated: 15th February 2008

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Megson: Remains cautious

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Bolton boss Gary Megson insists Atletico Madrid are still favourites to progress to the last 16 of the Uefa Cup.

The Trotters secured a 1-0 win over Atletico at the Reebok Stadium on Thursday to take a slender lead ahead of the second leg in Spain next week.

El Hadji Diouf scored the only goal of the game in the 74th minute, 60 seconds after Atletico's Sergio Aguero had been red carded for spitting after a challenge by Matt Taylor, but Megson is adamant his side remain underdogs.

"Atletico have an exceptional squad even without Aguero," said Megson. "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.

Exceptional atmosphere

"We had an exceptional atmosphere and the players responded. That lifted the crowd even more and it was a good night.

"The only thing we could have improved on was to score more goals. I have always been proud of the team when they have put in a really good effort.

"We did that and took the game to a fantastic team. We did the same on Saturday but it did not go our way."

Aguero will now miss the second leg and Megson is confident the Argentina international will also receive further punishment.

"I am sure Uefa will act if there is evidence but it is not our problem as it is not our player. We behaved impeccably," Megson added.

"I did not see what happened because it was a long way away but I believe that is what the lad was sent off for. There is no place for it (spitting)."