Despite a spirited performance in Spain, Aberdeen remain rooted to the bottom of group B after going down 2-0 to Atlético Madrid at the Vincente Calderon.

The home side started the game brightly, with marauding left-back Mariano Pernia crashing a powerful left-footed effort off the post, having left Dons keeper Jamie Langfield stranded on his line. Argentine starlet Sergio Agüero showed a good understanding with Diego Forlán as Atlético made all the early running.

Despite beginning brightly, Atlético failed to create any clear-cut chances and a dogged Aberdeen clawed their way back into the match. Former Ajax trainee Karim Touzani was impressive as he held the Scottish side together defensively, while Lee Miller and Jamie Smith's physical approach was unsettling the hosts.

Aberdeen were dealt a bitter blow when Jackie McNamara and Smith were forced off the pitch with injuries after both had impressed. Aberdeen continued to weather the Atlético storm until the stroke of half-time, when Michael Hart brought down Aguero and Forlan scored the resulting penalty.

The Spanish side started the second half with Sabrosa Simao replacing the injured Agüero and the Portuguese international made his presence felt almost immediately when his 61st minute free-kick went in off keeper Langfield. It was a bitter blow for the Dons who had dealt well with the home side in open play.

Despite the goal, Atlético never really looked like running away with the tie, as Aberdeen pushed forward in search of a goal. The Spanish side continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession but were frustrated time and time again by Dutchman Touzani, who was not in the mood to let his side crumble.

Aberdeen's UEFA Cup hopes were all but extinguished as the final whistle blew, but can take hear from a dogged and committed display against quality opposition.

Meanwhile, FC Copenhagen picked up their first points in Group B with a 1-0 win at Lokomotiv Moscow.

Morten Nordstrand's second-half penalty was enough for the visitors to secure victory over the Russians, after Malkhaz Asatiani had pulled back Marcus Allback.

Lokamotic were reduced to 10 men late on when Emir Spahic was sent off for a second bookable offence after he fouled Libor Sionko .

Eurosport