Rijkaard thrilled by Barca win

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard hailed his players’ performance in tonight’s 1-0 triumph over AC Milan at the San Siro.

A second-half strike from attacking midfielder Ludovic Giuly gave Barca an away goal and allowed the Spanish champions to take a lead into their home leg of the Champions League semi-final tie.

It was a fantastic homecoming for Barca’s former Milan player Rijkaard as his team became the first to beat the Rossoneri at home in this season’s competition.

“It is an important result for us, for the team, for the club and for the players,” said the Dutchman.

“I have to congratulate my players for their performance in what was a difficult game against a great squad in a difficult stadium.”

The absence of midfielder Deco, who missed the game through suspension, and of injured attacking duo Lionel Messi and Henrik Larsson, did not hinder the Catalan giants.

“I am very happy with the team because they have shown their talent,” added Rijkaard.

“I never doubted my team’s quality, we have eliminated the likes of Chelsea and Benfica, although I knew we had to work hard in order to win this important game and we have done it.

“We have to continue to do so in order to reach the final.”

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti insists his team will fight back in next Wednesday’s return leg.

“I have no doubt that this tie is still open,” he said.

“We know it’s going to be difficult in Barcelona but we have the strength and the confidence to turn this result around.”

Ancelotti was satisfied with his team’s performance but not with the result.

The Rossoneri did have their share of chances with Alberto Gilardino denied by the post, Andriy Shevchenko’s header saved by goalkeeper Victor Valdes and substitute Massimo Ambrosini missing the target from close range late on.

“We didn’t deserve this defeat,” added Ancelotti. “I think we have played at the same level as Barcelona.

“We’ve had good opportunities to score but we’ve missed them.”

Barca striker Samuel Eto’o believes his team now have the edge in the tie but insists that they still have work to do.

“I’m not sure if we merit this result but the important thing is that we have the advantage,” he said.

“When you play against a side like Milan you have to take advantage of the limited chances you get.”

“We have home advantage (for the second leg),” Eto’o added.

“We know that a 1-0 advantage is difficult to keep but we hope to finish the job in Barcelona.”