Rijkaard sprung a surprise by benching Ronaldinho and starting the game with Bojan Krkic in attack, but it was the Brazilian who as a second-half substitute played a key role in Barca earning the point required to guarantee Champions League progress.

Barca coach Rijkaard, who was also sent to the stands during the game for protesting against Lyon's "violent" tackling, said: "I had to choose an XI and there is a great squad here. There is nothing unusual if Ronaldinho remains on the bench.

"All the players must accept their role. At halftime I asked him if he could play and he said yes to me. He made it clear he was desperate to take part.

"He continues working hard in training. Tonight's decision was not a punishment."