Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp admitted he was nervous throughout as his side negotiated their way past AC Milan in the Champions League.
Wednesday’s second leg 0-0 draw meant that Peter Crouch’s goal at the San Siro three weeks ago was enough to see Spurs advance to the last eight of Europe’s top competition 1-0 on aggregate.
And while he hailed his side for keeping Milan at bay at White Hart Lane on a night in which the visitors bossed long periods of the game, Redknapp admitted that it was not the easiest 90 minutes to sit through.
"I enjoyed the occasion but I couldn't say I enjoyed the 90 minutes," the Tottenham boss told ITV1. "You're looking at that clock and you want that 90 minutes to be up because it's a great achievement for this club to be in the last eight of the Champions League.
"It's amazing what the players have done. If people can't enjoy and appreciate this tonight then they shouldn't be involved in football.
"It's a great night for the players, a great night for the fans and for everyone. I'm delighted. It was hard work tonight. They're a good side, a great club with great tradition.
"You could see that tonight, they played (Clarence) Seedorf and people like that. It was difficult to get near (Alexandre) Pato. They've got fantastic ability in their team.
"But we worked our socks off and we stayed with them.
"It's a difficult situation when you come home and you've got that one-goal lead. It's not like you go for broke. You're always aware you want to hang onto that lead. It was very difficult.
"We got outnumbered in the middle of the park. They had extra men in there and made it difficult for us to get near them."
Crouch paid tribute to the Spurs defence on a night when centre backs Michael Dawson and William Gallas were magnificent and holding midfield player Sandro also shone. Gallas at one stage cleared a Robinho effort off the line and Crouch says it is moments like that that ensured that the Londoners' European adventure continues abound.
"That's what it was all about,” said the lofty front man. “Sometimes in the Champions League you come up against top quality players and you have to dig in.
"I think we deserved it over two legs. It's huge. The club's not been in the Champions League before. (After) going to the San Siro and winning, the lads have defended magnificently tonight. I'm really pleased to be in the next round."
As for who they might meet in the last eight, Redknapp admitted that Barcelona’s display against Arsenal on Tuesday was enough to instil fear in any team, but he says that if they are the card his team are dealt then he will be happy to take it.
“They were amazing,” Redknapp said of Barca’s Lionel Messi-inspired 3-1 Camp Nou win over Arsenal, that sent them through 4-3 on aggregate.
"They made a side like Arsenal, who play in our league every week and pass teams to death, they made them almost look out of their depth.
"They're the team you don't want to play at the moment, but whoever comes it's great to be in the last eight."