Thursday, April 27 2006 10:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Barcelona: Frank Rijkaard said he was relishing the prospect of a Champions League final clash with Arsenal after watching his Barcelona side outclass AC Milan to book their date in Paris.

A goalless draw at the Nou Camp on Wednesday (Apr 26, 2006) was enough to send Barca into the final 1-0 on aggregate and their Dutch coach paid tribute to his players.

"I'm very happy with the team because they did a great job over the two legs. We would have like to score in front of our own supporters but we were not able to do it against a very strong opponent."

"Milan are great team with a very strong mentality, so I am very happy that my team kept battling right to the end and never allowed them any chances to get back into the tie."

Rijkaard's diplomatic nature prevented him

Rijkaard's diplomatic nature prevented him from casting the May 17 final in that light, but he made clear his admiration for Arsene Wenger's young Arsenal side and the way they have defied the odds to make it to Paris.

Rijkaard added: "I don't think it is right to say us playing each other is a victory for 'football'. That would be disrespectful to all the other great teams that have fought to reach the final."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was frustrated not to get the chance to make up for last year's traumatic final appearance, when his side blew a 3-0 half-time lead before losing on penalties to Liverpool in Istanbul.

The Milan goalkeeper was exposed once more in the 17th minute when Kakha Kaladze lost possession to Eto'o outside the area. The Cameroon striker burst into the box and his shot, which clipped the goalkeeper's body, was spinning towards goal when Costacurta hooked it away.