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UEFA Champions League: Barcelona's character leaves coach delighted [Thu Sep 15th, 2005]
Bremen, Germany (Reuters) - Barcelona proved they can take punishment as well as dish it out in beating Werder Bremen 2-0, coach Frank Rijkaard said.
Barca took an early lead with Deco's deflected goal in the UEFA Champions League Group C opener, but had to withstand a battering before Ronaldinho's penalty clinched the win in the second half.
Bremen had enough chances to build a comfortable lead before the end of the first half, but Rijkaard had only praise for his defence at the way they came through the ordeal.
"We had to suffer," Rijkaard said after a result that means Barcelona have still to concede a goal this season after two league matches and one game in Europe.
"It was important that we weren't beaten in defence. Many people say that we're a team that attacks all the time but we're doing very well in defence.
"All the players worked hard in defence and midfield as well as in attack."
Bremen, deprived of German forward Miroslav Klose through suspension, saw a succession of chances wasted, with Ivan Klasnic and Nelson Valdez the main culprits.
Rijkaard had little sympathy.
"I'm happy," the coach said. "If you just count the number of chances you could see it could have been a different result but we scored twice against a very strong team at their ground so of course I'm happy.
"We suffered, they played very well but you have to score goals to get a win or come from behind to get a draw."
Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf recognised his team's failings.
"They took their chances and we didn't," he said. "We invested a lot in this game, running and fighting for everything, but we come away with nothing. I would have liked to get something, even just one goal."
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