France and Spain were bitter enemies in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday but a flourishing Franco- Spanish relationship in San Sebastian is helping Real Sociedad realise a long-forgotten European dream.
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The Basque club travel to play Espanyol on Sunda (1800 GMT)looking to strengthen their grip on fourth place with the possibility of earning Champions League football for next season an unexpected new objective.
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In French coach Philippe Montanier's second season at the helm, Sociedad have been the surprise- package of the league on the back of an 18-game run with only one defeat - a thrilling 4-3 reverse at Real Madrid in January.
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"We are in a historical moment for the club," Sociedad defender Alberto de la Bella told a news conference earlier this week.
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"It's a great opportunity. There are 10 games left to achieve something which we didn't have in mind at the start of the campaign. Everyone is very excited at the prospect.
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"The team is confident. We haven't lost since January. Before, we used to go out timidly and lacking in belief, now we don't care which stadium we run out in."
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Sociedad finished as La Liga runners up to Real Madrid in 2003 but since then have endured relegation, three seasons in the second division and administration.
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Partly out of financial necessity, they have successfully developed a team built around a large number of youth academy players, and blended them with imports such as Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and Mexico striker Carlos Vela.
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They ended Barcelona's record-breaking unbeaten start to the season with a 3-2 home win in January and were the first team to take anything from the Calderon with a 1-0 victory at third-placed Atletico Madrid three weeks ago.
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Sociedad have 47 points and are 13 adrift of Atletico, though two ahead of fifth-placed Valencia, who visit Diego Simeone's side on Sunday (2000).