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Rediff.com  » Sports » Revenge did not come into it: Rijkaard

Revenge did not come into it: Rijkaard

March 08, 2006 13:43 IST
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Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said he did not view his side's Champions League victory over Chelsea as revenge for last year's defeat.

"I'm not a guy who believes in revenge," said the Dutchman. "It was very important to go through in a wonderful tournament. For me it doesn't matter who we beat, we have to go on. Revenge doesn't come into it.

"I have nothing specifically against Chelsea or their coach. I have great respect for what he is doing and I think he does a great job."

Last year Barca lost 5-4 on aggregate to Chelsea at the same stage after two high-tension games marked by acrimony and controversy.

This time Barca eased their way into the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp gave them a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The Spanish Primera Liga side gave a masterful performance of possession football against the Londoners, but needed a magical goal by Ronaldinho 12 minutes from time.

Chelsea equalised through an injury-time penalty from Frank Lampard, but it came too late to endanger a deserved Barcelona victory.

"I think the team worked very well and worked very seriously," said Rijkaard. "We gave our rivals very few chances.

"The Ronaldinho goal was spectacular, not just because of the way he created it but also for the speed he showed.

"They defended very well and were very tough, but he manufactured the chance and did something very special, but then he's a special player."

Rijkaard said that victory over Chelsea is just the start of the hard work for his side.

GREAT SIDE

"I'm very happy we've gone through against a great side. But we have to keep on working. It was very hard to eliminate Chelsea but we have to prepare ourselves for the next game because the level in the Champions League is so high."

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said the key to the tie had been his side's first leg defeat at Stamford Bridge.

"We were playing with 10 men for most of the first leg and so we didn't see two games of 11 against 11," he said. "But having said that Barca are a great team and we wish them the best of luck.

"Last season they watched the quarter-finals on television, this season it is our turn.

"The crucial result was at Stamford Bridge and the statistics show that when you lose 2-1 at home in the Champions League it is very difficult to turn the tie around."

Mourinho also insisted his side had not disappointed him despite their failure to make life more difficult for their opponents.

"We are two completely different sides," he said. "They have got some great qualities in some aspects and we've got some in others.

"Barca played a different game today, they were more defensive, they pressured hard. If we had scored one of the goals from the chances from Joe Cole, or Arjen Robben or [Hernan] Crespo we could have had a chance."

 

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