Focus turns to La Liga title defence

LONDON - BARCELONA believe that elimination from the Champions League gives them the opportunity to concentrate on retaining the Spanish league title.

'This is a let-down but not a failure,' said midfielder Deco, whose side clash with Real Madrid on Saturday after having dropped to second spot in the Spanish table.

'What are we going to do, shoot ourselves in the head?

'Winning the Champions League last year didn't mean we would win it this time. We tried, but now our obligation is to win the league.'

Since the Champions League was renamed in 1992, no club have won the title twice in a row.

The last back-to-back winners of the European Cup were AC Milan in 1989-90.

Barca admitted they had few answers to Liverpool's tactics. The Spanish team had been expected to go for broke after losing the first leg 1-2, but it was Liverpool who bombarded the visitors in the first half.

Ronaldinho said: 'They came out very focused, with a strong tactical plan and didn't give us any space, so it made it very difficult for us.'

Barcelona have been unable to recreate the formula that served them so well last season. Then, they pressed opponents all over the pitch, winning the ball back quickly and dominating with quick and incisive passing.

Two of the players so vital to making that system work are Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi.

Coach Frank Rijkaard gambled by fielding them on the flanks, but both were coming back from debilitating injuries.

And neither had the stamina nor sharpness for the remorseless tempo dictated by Liverpool.

Despite some acrimonious pre-match sniping over the English club's physical style, Rijkaard believes Liverpool are capable of beating any team left in the tournament.

'We won this leg, but maybe we were lucky considering the amount of chances they created in the first half,' he said.

'Liverpool produced a great performance. They are very direct while being mentally strong and motivated.

'Other teams will not like playing them. With luck, they can beat anyone in the competition.'

ASSOCIATED PRESS, REUTERS