Osasuna loss fails to dampen Barça spirits

Speaking after his team's 1-0 Liga defeat by CA Osasuna, FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola urged his players "not to let anyone down" in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United FC at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Osasuna applause
Already crowned domestic champions, the Catalan outfit could afford to field a much-changed side at home on Saturday against relegation-threatened Osasuna, who, after applauding their hosts on to the pitch, boosted their survival chances through Walter Pandiani's 26th-minute header. "We have to get to bed now as we've got a game on Wednesday," joked Guardiola afterwards, his dismissal from the dugout along with a red card for debutant Marc Muniesa long forgotten.

Crowd incentive
The 38-year-old then offered congratulations to his assembled players – including the injured Thierry Henry and Andrés Iniesta – and reminded the crowd of their achievement in securing a league and cup double. "I'd like to say well done to these players and to tell them that today they are celebrating two titles," he said. "I want everyone here on their feet. If there is anyone sitting down then get up. Give these players a big round of applause; they deserve it."

Treble chasers
After lifting the league trophy amid joyous scenes at the Camp Nou, Barça captain Carles Puyol – who along with Xavi Hernández, Víctor Valdés, Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué played no part in the Osasuna encounter – offered his appreciation to the supporters. "Thanks for being there for us this season; it fills me with pride to see so many happy people," he said. "We've got two titles with the Liga and Copa [del Rey], now let's go for the Champions League." Meanwhile, Samuel Eto'o put the disappointment of failing to score against José Antonio Camacho's side behind him by insisting, "I'll run 80km next Wednesday if that's what it takes for us to win."