Frank Rijkaard was happy that Barca picked a ticket to the quarter final stage of the Copa del Rey. The manager spoke to the press afterwards.



A team that knocks out the defending champions should deserve to be the new champions themselves. FC barcelona must strive on to win the Copa del Rey after edging out last year's champions, Sevilla CF. The Blaugrana secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg and a goalless draw in Camp Nou meant they go through on away goal rule. A pleased Frank Rijkaard who got his tactics dead right on the night, was happy iwht the result. The stars played to instruction and had a very organized defence with Milito, Puyol, Sylvinho and Zambrotta being intact and Marquez providing cover. Rijkaard said after the match:

I was very pleased, particularly in defence where the team was very focussed and gave everything. Before the game we said that the worst thing would be to concede a goal and we have played the game accordingly. We wanted to concentrate on Sevilla's strong points without giving up our own style. It was not that attractive, but that was not just us as Sevilla had a very tactical approach. They were strong and kept a lot of people back. It was important for us to progress to the next round and we have done that against a great team.

Barça face Villarreal or Recreativo in the next round of the Copa del Rey. Rijkaard is not bouyed by the prospects of facing either, and is ready for the quarter opponents. The Dutchman is instead more concerned with securing a ticket to the semi-final through good football:

Villarreal is more well known and appear strong, but in knockout tournaments the only thing it worry about is playing well yourselves.