Rijkaard sees positives in cup exit

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard remained positive about his side's display in the King's Cup on Wednesday, despite a 5-4 aggregate defeat by Real Zaragoza which cost them a semi-final clash with Real Madrid.

The Primera Liga leaders, who had Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho controversially sent off just before the break, won 2-1 on the night, but were unable to overturn Zaragoza's 4-2 advantage from the first leg.

Argentine forward Lionel Messi headed Barca in front early on but a great goal from Oscar levelled the scores, making Henrik Larsson's stoppage time goal irrelevant.

"It was a difficult game but the players showed a great deal of spirit and fitness which can only be good for the future," Rijkaard said after the game.

"It is obvious that we lost this tie in the first leg. Their fourth goal in that game proved too much."

The Dutchman also saw a plus point from not having to play a tough semi-final against Real just before meeting Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Barca play the first leg against Chelsea on February 22, while the Cup semi-finals are due to be played on February 8 and 15.

"Now we'll have more time to prepare really well for the Chelsea game," he added.

Rijkaard refused to be drawn into criticising the referee who harshly showed Ronaldinho a straight red card in the 39th minute for a tackle on Cani.

He said: "If we had scored two more goals no one would have talked about the referee. We can't complain because it is far too easy to do that."

The other semi-final pitches Espanyol against Deportivo La Coruna, who ran out 2-1 aggregate winners over Valencia on Wednesday.