Megson tips tough battle

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El-Hadji Diouf scored the only goal on a pulsating night at the Reebok Stadium in the 74th minute. It came only 60 seconds after the gifted Sergio Aguero had been red-carded for spitting after a challenge by Taylor and although Aguero will now miss the return leg of the round of 32 Megson believes his side still have much work to do.

The Bolton boss 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."

He added: "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."

The spitting incident cast a cloud over the night and Megson said: "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.

"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)."

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre said: "I have looked at the TV pictures and it seems he spat on the ground between the linesman and the player."

It was a richly deserved win for Bolton, which came on the back of a home defeat by Portsmouth at the weekend.

Backed by a bumper 26,163 crowd, they again showed their liking for European football.

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