Real Zaragoza coach Javier Aguirre was beaming after victory over Levante kept them up.

Zaragoza went into their clash at Levante lying in the final relegation place and a point adrift of safety, but two fine goals from captain Gabi earned them a 2-1 victory and another season in the top flight.

The Mexican said: "I'm very happy with the players and very grateful to the fans. I got on a boat that was on rough seas and the players are the main stars.

"This team was destined to suffer throughout the season. There was a good group when I arrived but we were so isolated, far from safety, which we rowed towards and in the last game we achieved safety."

Zaragoza were roared on by close to 10,000 of their own supporters who had made their way down to Valencia for the crucial match, and Aguirre added: "To the fans I only have words of thanks for those who came and those who stayed (in Zaragoza). Hopefully they will have a team in the Primera Division for many years."