It was a tussle until minute 102 but in the end qualification was a reality for Club Brugge. This much to the relief of Hans Vanaken.
"We knew beforehand that despite the lead from the outward game it would be a tough match," the Brugge captain said in a first reaction. "Osasuna is a strong and potent opponent and this evening proved that once again, although their goals did not come from clear-cut chances. Still, we kept giving everything and tried to stick to the battle plan as much as possible. In the end, we were rewarded for this as well."
And the two-time Golden Shoe continued : "This draw feels a bit like a win because picking up a 0-2 deficit against such a savvy Spanish team is not nothing. But even before the 0-1 we already had several chances and on top of that we also hit the goal frame twice. I don't think our qualification was stolen. Now it's just a matter of enjoyment and tomorrow we'll see who our next European opponents will be. But for Club as a whole, it is a good thing that we are assured of European soccer at least until the turn of the year. And hopefully we can match the good results of the Belgian teams in the Conference League last season, and possibly even improve on them. But before that happens, a very difficult task awaits us next Sunday with the away game in and against Ghent. However, we are in a good flow and we must continue on our way." (MV)