FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard analysed the situation after the match and summarised it as a: "perfect position". Dutchman Rijkaard commented and responded on the press conference in his cool and prudent manner but agreed that Barca has an advantage over AC Milan in the seconj to qualify for the Champions League Final in Paris.



The FC Barcelona coach described the win as stupendous, but recognises that the semi final has to be played over two legs and that the battle is not over yet. Milan will always be a dangerous opponent and therefore nothing can be taken for granted yet. Rijkaard claimed that FC Barcelona had gone out to win this match at San Siro.

Again, he was impressed by the performance of Andrés Iniesta:

"I should mention all the players but it's true that Andrés Iniesta had a great game. Everyone could see that."

Barca coach Rijkaard also explained that he told Giuly that the plan was for him to be substituted and the French international responded with a terrific goal set up by Ronaldinho.

"Giuly looked pretty certain that he needed to score. I was going to take him off, but he asked for more time and did what he had to do."

In his anylysis of the game he stated:

"It was an interesting game. The players did well. Milan also had their chances but Ronaldinhos pass was great and Giuly finished it off to perfection. Before a game we always observe how we should approach games depending on our rivals, but the most important thing is the way the players interpret the system, and they did that very well today."

But Frank Rijkaard would not be Rijkaard if he would already look ahead to the next match against Milan: "This team has been playing at a very high level for quite some time. It is important to win these games, turn over the page, and wait and see what comes next. In the world of sport there is always a chance for any sportsperson to get the better of another. But we need to keep working seriously, because we have only won the first game. I am happy with the win, but we can't start talking about a leap in quality. I just speak about what I see on the pitch. The companionship and talent in this squad is more important than anything else."