The result leaves Barca eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, but Rijkaard maintains: "We will not give up on the Liga. This question will always receive the same answer because our mentality will not allow us to concede anything.

"We must prepare for every game ahead of us with the motivation to win.

"I have no problem with our confidence. What is confidence in football? The ball goes in, or it doesn't. The most important thing is the spirit of the team and the work they're doing in training."

Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes added: "If we cannot win the next three games, we will not be able to win the Liga, we must continue fighting.

"We're playing good football, but we have not had luck in front of goal. That would be a good summary."