Pamplona erupts after Osasuna grab Champions League spot

MADRID, May 17 (Reuters) Osasuna have secured a Champions League place for the first time with a 2-1 home win over Valencia that sparked celebrations in Pamplona.

''It's like a dream you never want to wake up from,'' Osasuna president Patxi Izco told reporters after the club's last game of the season today.

''We have been in the Champions League places for 32 weeks this season and deserve it. We made it difficult near the end but finally did it in style by beating a great Valencia side.'' The Navarrans had to win to guarantee fourth place because Sevilla were level on points with an inferior head-to-head record.

Serbian striker Savo Milosevic headed the opener after 48 minutes and midfielder David Lopez added a second two minutes later.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ricardo was in fine form as third-placed Valencia applied the pressure near the end,and remained unbeaten until David Villa scored from a free kick in injury time.

Osasuna coach Javier Aguirre, who is leaving after four years at the club, said: ''It is an indescribable emotion.

''This is the reward for a large number of people because behind me there are hundreds of workers who will enjoy this even more, and deservedly so.'' The Mexican is being linked with Atletico Madrid. Osasuna will enter the third qualifying round of Europe's elite competition.

ZIDANE FAREWELL Valencia ended the season a point behind Real Madrid who finished runners-up to champions Barcelona despite losing 4-3 in Sevilla.

David Beckham had put Real two up inside 26 minutes before the game was turned on its head after Argentine striker Javier Saviola scored two of four Sevilla goals before the break.

Zinedine Zidane scored a third for the visitors in his last game as a Real player before retiring.

''It was a bittersweet send-off because we lost. I am satisfied because at least we finished second which was our objective today, though I would have preferred a victory,'' Zidane told reporters.

''With everything that has happened this season this is the best we were able to achieve.'' Real, who enter the Champions League group stage with Barcelona, ended their third successive season without a major trophy, their worst run of form in over 50 years.

Sevilla finished fifth and have to be content with defending their UEFA Cup title next season.

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