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Barca give Real footballing lesson at Bernabeu
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-20 09:44
Victorious Rijkaard keeps his feet on the ground
MADRID, Nov 19
(Reuters) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard paid tribute to his team's hard work
and individual talent after they put arch-rivals Real Madrid to the sword with a
3-0 win at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
"When you see a 3-0 scoreline at the Bernabeu it seems like an easy win but
you have to work very hard to get to that position," said the Dutchman.
"It was a spectacular game and very important for us to win against Real,
especially at their own ground. It is very satisfying for the moment but we
can't afford to ease up, we have to maintain the same rhythm and intensity.
"We can't afford to drop our guard in the next few games"
Barca took charge in the 'clasico' from the first
whistle and went in front when Samuel Eto'o scored an opportunistic opener
against his former club in the 15th minute.
The Catalans dominated the rest of the half but did not extend their lead
until early in the second period when Ronaldinho scored a virtuoso goal after
dancing past Real defenders Sergio Ramos and Ivan Helguera.
The World Player of the Year completed the rout 12 minutes from time when he
repeated the trick, waltzing through the Real defence before firing home with
another spectacular strike.
The Brazilian got a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd after his second
goal, while many Real fans jeered their own team and streamed out of the stadium
well before the final whistle.
The victory meant Rijkaard became the first Barca coach to notch up two wins
over Real at their own stadium but the former Dutch international was quick to
give the credit to his players, in particular Ronaldinho and Argentine teenager
Lionel Messi.
"The team played a great game and their hard work
allowed individuals like Ronaldinho to shine," he said.
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