The Blaugrana helmsman remains hopeful despite disappointing loss to Los Merengues.


A shocked coach Frank Rijkaard was clearly not happy with the result of the el clasico which, was there to be a goal, should have gone to Barca, if any one would have predicted. However, the reverse was the case. Real Madrid stole the show with a lone strike by Julio Baptista. With a seven point difference between the two top La Liga teams, it all appears the race is over, but not yet. On the lone goal of the match, Rijkaard said:

Julio Baptista's goal has given Real Madrid an important advantage. It is a strong blow, because we worked hard for the win. We have to digest the defeat and then look ahead. There are still a lot of games to still play and it is certain that Madrid have an advantage, but anything is still possible. The goal broke the rhythm of the game for us. It was a goal that hurt us and made things more complicated. It came at a time when we had just had a clear chance and gave the opposition a boost and made them more comfortable as they were able to sit back and close up in defence.

Rijkaard believes Barca can still come back in the second half of the league:

It was not Barça's night. Now we have to continue working with pride and with hope. We have to believe in our chances. They have fought until the last moment and I always had a hope that we would change the result.

The Dutchman ended the post-match conference with compliments for the winners, Real Madrid:

They worked well as a team. I felt that that they were well positioned across the pitch, which we expected. They did not create many clear chances, but at the same time their defence pressured our forwards very well. In the end, Madrid played well and were very organised. When they won possession they went forward very forward and with real force.