Rijkaard - we played like 'fools'
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard says his team made "fools" of themselves during a crushing 5-1 defeat at Malaga but believes they have no choice but to lift themselves for Saturday's clash with arch-rivals Real Madrid.
"We were punished very severely," said the Dutchman, "We just couldn't do anything right out there.
"We made fools of ourselves and created a really poor impression," he said. "I felt powerless looking on from the dug-out."
Malaga raced into a 2-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes when Salva Ballesta provided the finishing touch to two slick counter-attacking moves and the former Valencia striker completed his hat-trick midway through the second half with a classy chip.
His replacement Diego Alonso scored Malaga's fourth with his first touch and although Barca clawed one back when defender Fernando Sanz turned the ball into his own net, the home side restored their four-goal cushion when Manuel Canabal clipped in 10 minutes from time.
Barca have now taken just one point from their last three matches, a miserable run that has coincided with an injury to influential Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho.
The Catalans' heaviest league defeat in nine seasons could hardly have come at a worse time as they prepare to host Real Madrid.
In contrast, Real had a comfortable victory on Wednesday night over Madrid city rivals Atletico, with Ronaldo opening the scoring just 15 seconds after the first whistle.
By the time Raul grabbed Real's second on 19 minutes the game was effectively over and they could afford to ease up.
"This is a great boost ahead of the Barca game," said Real defender Roberto Carlos. "If we play to our strengths we have a great chance of winning at the Nou Camp."
If Real's spirits could hardly be higher, Rijkaard now has the difficult job of trying to lift his demoralised team.
"We can't go on like this," he said. "However hard it is to digest a defeat like this we have to bounce back. It can't get any worse."
The problem for Rijkaard is that if his team do slip to their first home league defeat by Real in 20 years it will be considerably worse.
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