on 9 may 2009, forlán scored twice against espanyol to help atlético clinch champions league qualification for a second successive year. "los rojiblancos" were trailing 2–0 at half-time and had seen luis perea sent off, but came back to win 3–2 thanks to a goal of the season contender from forlán, as well as a last minute winner. he also scored crucial goals in wins over barcelona, villarreal and valencia. on 23 may 2009, forlán scored a hat-trick against athletic bilbao, which helped him win the la liga pichichi trophy, as well as the european golden boot for a second time. he ended the 2008–09 season with a very impressive 32 goals in 33 matches.