Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster was glad to see the Primera Liga holders tactically outclass Barcelona to snatch a precious 1-0 win at Nou Camp on Sunday. Julio Baptista's first-half goal was enough to hand Schuster his first Clasico victory with the Madridistas, and the German was pleased to get a clean sheet from the Catalans. "I think it was a great feat to prevent Barcelona from scoring at their stadium. This is the first time this has happened in a very long time," he told the post-match conference. "It wasn't at all easy. These matches are won thanks to small details. It may not have been the best derby in history, but it was a very tight encounter, with a lot of tactical work. We are very happy and I think we deserved to win. "I think we did a very good job in defense, preventing them to reach our box with ease." Strong Blow
Rijkaard Barca coach Frank Rijkaard admitted that the derby defeat was crucial to his side's title hopes, especially after their arch rivals stretched a seven-point gap at the summit. "It is a strong blow, because we worked hard for the win, Baptista's goal gave Madrid an important advantage," said the Dutchman. "We have to digest the defeat and then look ahead. There are still a lot of games to still play and it is certain that Madrid have an advantage, but anything is still possible." Rijkaard also had to time to congratulate Real, who wrenched off the Primera Liga title from his side in the final day of last season. "They worked well as a team, I felt that that they were well positioned across the pitch," he added. "They did not create many clear chances, but at the same time their defence pressured our forwards very well. In the end, madrid played well and were very organised."
