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.