Osasuna did not rest on their laurels as they managed a 1-0 (0-0 HT) victory over Bayer Leverkusen to advance to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup. The Basque team is having a superb European season - this is its best ever showing - and even with three away goals they were determined to ensure that they made it to that next round and put in a decent first half showing before a great second period. Bayer, set up 4-5-1 to keep it secure whilst trying to win, started brightly and had a great chance just before half time, but Osasuna dealt admirably well with whatever the Germans provided and indeed could have scored more.

The visitors, perhaps knowing what was in store, lined up 4-5-1, Kiessling losing his place from the first leg and thus Barbarez starting as lone striker. Their pressure came mostly early on and lessened as the game increasingly looked beyond them. Osasuna were 4-4-2 with a surprisingly strong squad, considering their chances of progression; Milosevic and Soldado started together up front, but Juanfran was rested. Juanlu was selected in his place and put in a great shift, as he did against Rangers earlier in the season, and managed a goal.

Bayer started well in defence and midfield, at least, but due perhaps to the realisation that three goals away from home was nigh-on impossible, found it hard to settle. Chances were few and far between and Osasuna, sizing them up, began to close them down more effectively. Leverkusen began to become unnerved and exhausted, but a chance did come not long before the half ended, the impressive Freier losing his marker to challenge Lopez, but the 'keeper turned it round for a corner. Bayer could make nothing of it, so half time arrived at 0-0.

Barnetta had already come off for Leverkusen, and Haggui was soon to follow as Leverkusen retreated into their shell. Osasuna have a much more fruitful second half. After the Pamplonans survived another scare from Callsen-Braker, they took control of the game and managed to take the lead through Juanlu. The impressive Soldado found his shot from the edge of the area blocked, but Gomez Juanlu was on hand to finish off both the chance and the tie. The rojillos themselves then followed the visitors' lead in making substitutions, Erice increasing his first-team credentials by coming on, but with nothing left to play for, the game played out to finish 1-0 to the hosts.

The Werkself were never really in with a chance of qualifcation, and this became abundantly clear the longer the game went on. After a demoralising defeat to Bochum in the BuLi, they seemed to go through the motions in the second half, and must recover their domestic form to save their season with a 5th place finish. Coach Skibbe gave Osasuna plaudits after the match; he'd do well to encourage his own team further. Osasuna can be very proud of the performance, however, and will hope to carry that into the league where they are currently struggling somewhat.