AGUIRRE HAILS 10-MAN OSASUNA
Posted at 9:51 AM, May 4, 2006
Osasuna coach Javier Aguirre welcomed his side's 1-0 away win over Atletico Madrid as a vital step towards winning the club a place in the Champions League for the first time.
Midfielder Inaki Munoz struck after just 16 minutes in the Vicente Calderon and the Navarrans held on despite losing defender Rafael Clavero to a red card early in the second half.
The result left Osasuna in fourth position - the Primera Liga's final Champions League slot - and five points ahead of fifth-placed Celta Vigo, with two games left to play.
"These were three golden points for us in our fight to enter the Champions League next season," said Aguirre.
"Atletico were very close to equalising at the end and no-one could have complained if it had finished even.
"We didn't put on much of a spectacle but we were organised, committed and were patient throughout to earn the points."
After watching his side produce a wretched display, Atletico coach Pepe Murcia admitted his players face a battle to finish the season with any dignity.
"We have two games left now and it is vital we do our best to finish the season in a dignified manner," said Murcia, whose side are 10th in the standings.
"Mathematically we can still make it to the Intertoto Cup but it is a long shot."
With Murcia's days on the bench looking numbered, and his opposite number Aguirre hot favourite in the media to replace him, the Atletico coach called for some sympathy for his side.
The players were barracked and heckled from all sides by their fans as they left the pitch.
"They are a young team, who perhaps lack a little character at present. But there is strong base there to be built on if the players are given some time," he added.