Real plays down title talk after Barca win

BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster played down the significance of his side's commanding lead at the top of the Primera Liga after it beat arch-rival Barcelona 1-0 in the Nou Camp on Sunday.

"Seven points are an important advantage but it is too soon to talk of titles. The situation is good at present but you don't win things until the end," the German told a news conference.

Brazilian midfielder Julio Baptista scored the game's only goal in the 36th minute, to break Barca's 100 percent home record and to leave it trailing the champion by seven points in second place.

"It's one of the most important goals I've ever scored. I'll never forget it," Baptista said.

"We managed to keep them away from our goal forcing them to play down the flanks which is what we wanted, and the fact they didn't score in their own stadium says it all. I think it's the first time in a very long time," Schuster added.

"We worked very well in defense and the goal was a tough blow for them. We had chances to finish it off in the second half but didn't take them. It was a fair result and we go home content."

Barca coach Frank Rijkaard agreed with Schuster that it was too soon for the result to have a major say in the title race, though admitted his side had a lot of work to do.

"My players showed a good attitude on the pitch and in the dressing room, but we have to keep looking forward. We have to believe in our chances," said Rijkaard.

"The fact we were in the game until the last moment shows we continued fight to the end."

When questioned about the poor showing from Brazil forward Ronaldinho, who was whistled from some sections of the Nou Camp near the end, Rijkaard added: "It was clear this wasn't one of his best games, the same as his colleagues, but he showed good commitment."

Rijkaard sprung something of a surprise when he named Ronaldinho and Deco in his starting 11 after a week of heated speculation.

Earlier, Espanyol came from behind to beat nine-man Atletico Madrid 2-1 away to climb to third on 33.

Villarreal, which was held 1-1 at home by Recreativo Huelva, is fourth with 32, one ahead of Atletico which slipped to fifth.

(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)