Osasuna ride the Red Tide

Cuco Ziganda declared that it was "a day for everyone to enjoy" after a 1-0 win against Rangers FC took CA Osasuna into their first European quarter-final.

'Making history'
Having led his side to a 1-1 first-leg draw in Glasgow in the UEFA Cup Round of 16, the Osasuna coach masterminded a victory in Pamplona that booked a place in Friday's draw for the latter stages of the competition. "It's a day for everyone to be happy," he said. "We've beaten a historic club. Everything went perfectly and we have to be pleased." This morning's Spanish papers were suitably euphoric as they heralded Osasuna's best-ever European performance, improving upon their defeat in the last 16 of the 1991/92 UEFA Cup. 'Osasuna keep making history,' wrote Marca, while Diario AS led its report with the headline 'Europe cannot crush Osasuna'.

'British-style atmosphere'
Pierre Webó's 71st-minute effort finally converted the home side's pressure into goals to the delight of their coach. "We surprised Rangers at Ibrox, and we took advantage of a rousing atmosphere here - a British-style atmosphere - so that was good for the team," said Ziganda. Sure enough, the club's increasingly famous supporters, known as the Marea Roja - the Red Tide - kept the noise levels high at the sold-out Reyno de Navarra Stadium, and helped 40-year-old coach Ziganda get the best out of a side which included 17-year-old debutant César Azpilicueta.

Pleasure principle
"He played very well," said Ziganda of the midfielder. "To beat Rangers using all my available players and to have a 17-year-old debutant is great. He was brave and although he still has a lot to learn, he's very useful. I don't mind who we get in the next round - we're going to enjoy ourselves and have a great time."