Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard was in buoyant mood after watching his team overcome Milan in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg at the San Siro.

The valuable away goal came courtesy of a clinical strike by Ludovic Giuly.

“It was a very important result and I want to congratulate all the players. We were playing at a tough venue against a top team and it wasn’t easy.

“All of them were excellent. Their attitude was perfect and I am delighted with the job they have done so far, although we have to keep our feet on the ground.”

“I said this was an important game to see what we are worth. It was important to get the result and to have a better chance now of getting through,” he said.

“We shouldn’t forget that Milan created some chances. At the start we were taken a bit by surprise but even later on they created some difficulties. They played pretty well and created opportunities.”

Goalscorer Giuly believes his strike has set Barcelona on their way to the final.

“Ronaldinho passed me the perfect ball. I attempted a shot from the left and the ball went in.

“Now we’ve got one foot in the final, but we have to remain cool and work hard to try and go all the way.”