Real Madrid's Schuster: Barcelona struggling for long time

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster was delighted with his players after their 4-1 trouncing of Barcelona last night.

Barca coach Frank Rijkaard selected a very attacking line-up - and the gamble backfired as his team were overrun by Real still celebrating a successful title defence.

Afterwards, Schuster said: "After securing the title we wanted to do well in front of our fans, with the stadium full, and the attitude of the team was exemplary."

"Sometimes with the title in the pocket you can relax and against Barca that would have been very bad. Through a concerted team effort we have beaten Barcelona."

On Barca, Schuster said of his old club: "Barcelona's situation hasn't been the best for a long time. A 17-point difference with Barca is a big surprise. I didn't expect this at the start of the season. We must be very proud."