Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard insists there is still all to play for even though his side will start 2008 seven points adrift of leaders Real Madrid following Sunday's home defeat at the Nou Camp.
Barca suffered a league defeat in front of their own fans for the first time since February 2006 after going down to a first-half Julio Baptista goal in 'El Clasico'.
That has left the Catalan giants with a mountain to climb to haul reigning Spanish champions Real in after the Christmas break, but Rijkaard was keen to point out that nothing had been decided on Sunday's result
"It is a tough blow, because we worked hard for the win. But we have to digest the defeat and look ahead," he said.
"Now we have to continue working with pride and with hope. We have to believe in our chances.
"There are still a lot of matches remaining, and while it is true that Madrid have an important advantage, everything is still possible."
Barca president Joan Laporta agreed with those sentiments, saying on his club's website: "The game is already in the past and now we have to work to reduce the gap.
"We have not lost anything and we have to continue aspiring to the title."
Barca had won all eight of their Primera Liga fixtures at home heading into the clash, but that came to an end thanks to Baptista's superb strike from the edge of the box.
After that, Real were largely able to dictate the play and keep Barca's attacking threat to a minimum.
"It was not Barcelona's night," Rijkaard added.
"It was a goal which hurt us and made things difficult for us. The goal came just at the time when we also had a clear chance to score, and that made our opponents feel more comfortable on the pitch, staying back and closing up space well.
"They have not given us too many chances. At the same time, their defence pressed our strikers very well. Ultimately, Madrid were very well organised."
Source : www.sportinglife.com
