Ronaldinho warns against complacency

Barcelona star Ronaldinho has warned his team-mates not to get carried away by their 1-0 first-leg victory over AC Milan.

The Brazilian ace added to his growing legend with a match-winning performance at the San Siro that put the Spanish giants on the brink of their first Champions League final for 12 years.

The 26-year-old did not score and took time to make an impact but eventually lived up to his reputation as the world’s finest player by setting up Ludovic Giuly for the game’s only goal in the 57th minute.

Ronaldinho also struck the post on the counter-attack as Milan battled in vain to deny Barca an important edge going into next Wednesday’s return at the Nou Camp.

“I had to be patient,” he told PA Sport. “I had to wait until Milan gave us a space and I managed to get rid of my marker before serving Giuly, who finished it off superbly.”

Last night’s result not only saw Barca end Milan’s unbeaten run at home in this season’s competition, but more importantly, it has moved the Spaniards one step closer to their first Champions League final since 1994.

“We have survived the first 90 minutes,” said Ronaldinho.

“I am very happy because this win means a lot to us. To be able to beat Milan on their own pitch is a very good result.

“This can only motivate us for the second leg.”

However, the World Player of the Year has reminded his team-mates that the 2003 champions and last season’s runners-up will not give in without a fight.

“We still have 90 minutes left to play and we must not forget it,” Ronaldinho added.

“We have done our job in Milan and now we must continue to be humble and work in a serious manner in order to do well and win titles.”

Frank Rijkaard’s side are 11 points clear of Valencia in the Primera Liga and could clinch their second successive title as early as this weekend.

“We are going through a very positive time,” said Ronaldinho. “We have the opportunity to win the Spanish league next weekend and to reach the final of the Champions League. It would be a fantastic achievement.”

Meanwhile, AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has not lost faith that his team can knock Barcelona out.

Milan facea mighty task at the Nou Camp in next Wednesday’s second leg.

“It’s a bad result for us,” Seedorf told PA Sport. “But we must look ahead for there are still 90 minutes left to play and anything can happen.

“We will analyse this game and be prepared to battle in order to reach our second consecutive final.

“One thing is certain, Barcelona will suffer next week.”

“We haven’t scored, it’s as simple as that,” added Seedorf. “The mood in the changing room after the game was of bitterness because we have created more chances than Barcelona and yet they have come out triumphant.”