Barcelona show their defence rocks

Barcelona proved they can take punishment as well as dish it out in beating Werder Bremen 2-0, coach Frank Rijkaard said on Wednesday. Barca took an early lead with Deco’s deflected goal in the Champions League Group C opener but had to withstand a battering before Ronaldinho’s penalty clinched the win in the second half.

Bremen had enough chances to build a comfortable lead before the end of the first half but Rijkaard had only praise for his defence at the way they came through the ordeal.

‘‘We had to suffer’’, Rijkaard said after a result that means Barcelona have still to concede a goal this season after two league matches and one game in Europe. ‘‘It was important that we weren’t beaten in defence. Many people say that we’re a team that attacks all the time but we’re doing very well in defence.’’