Espanyol feeling 'free to dream'

Third win
The Spanish side's triumph, courtesy of goals from in-form Walter Pandiani and Ferrán Corominas at the Amsterdam ArenA, was their third straight success in Group F and confirmed their place in the UEFA Cup Round of 32. Because of their goal difference, Espanyol are almost certain to top the section as well when they conclude their fixtures at home to eliminated FK Austria Wien on 13 December.

Night to remember
"The Espanyol supporters are going to remember this night," said coach Ernesto Valverde, whose team lie 14th in the Primera División. "This result will really lift our fans because we've beaten one of the mythical European clubs and we all deserved a victory like this. We are free to dream and if we play like this, we can beat any team."

'Jumping with joy'
Corominas, who sealed the win with a late goal, added: "I felt something special when I scored at such a famous ground. It was my first time [here] and we're leaving as practically the group winners. I hope this lifts our league form too." He went on to say that the players' celebrations rivalled those of the fans, with the squad "jumping and screaming with joy".

Press praise
The achievement was not lost on the Spanish press, with Mundo Deportivo calling it a "historic victory" and Diario Sport describing how "Espanyol have taken Europe by storm". Key forward Luis García may not have scored, but he had the final word: "We came to win, and on top of that, we enjoyed ourselves. We have proved we're a great team."