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Barcelona crowned 'winter champions'

Real Betis player Juan Alberto Andri, right, holds Barcelona's Ronaldinho by his shirt during their Spanish League soccer match in Seville, Spain, on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP

Barcelona were confirmed Spain's "winter champions," the unofficial honor going to the La Liga leaders after the first half of the season, despite only drawing 1-1 at lowly Real Betis on Wednesday.

"We had moments when we suffered more than we would have wanted so we still have work to do," commented Barca coach Frank Rijkaard in the wake of being held by the relegation-threatened side from Seville.

"But it's a shame we didn't do better than a draw because we deserved more after all the opportunities we had. At least we tried to get a result but this is a difficult ground," added the Dutch coach.

The reigning Spanish champions, who are seeking their third consecutive La Liga title, have 39 points from 19 games and a one-point advantage over their nearest rivals.

Sevilla and Real Madrid are second and third respectively, with both teams on 38 points but separated by goal difference.

Betis deservedly took the lead after 36 minutes, having pressured Barcelona for most of the first half, when their Brazilian striker Robert headed home from close range following a corner by Assuncao.

However, Barcelona showed the character of champions and came out after the break playing like changed men.

Ronaldinho and Ludovic Giuly both had efforts whistle past the post of Betis goalkeeper Toni Doblas in the early minutes of the second half before Rafa Marquez found the net on the hour.

With the Betis defenders looking for danger elsewhere from a Deco corner, the Mexican international was left alone to sneak in at the near post and his diving header past Doblas put Barca back on level terms.

Barca's second half substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen had two good chances to get the winner in the final 13 minutes but, like so often this season, the Icelandic striker couldn't quite capitalize on his opportunities.

Opinions differ among the Barcelona players differ as to whether being the winter champions has any true value.

"The only title that matters is the one at the end of the season," said Barca's 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.

By contrast, Ronaldinho's Brazilian compatriot Belletti took the opposite view.

"Titles like this are always useful. They provide a big boost to the confidence of the players and the morale of the fans," he said.

Regardless of the opinion, being in pole position at the halfway point in the season is a good omen.

Ten of the last 12 Spanish champions have been on top after the first half of the season, and Barcelona themselves were ahead at this stage of the last two seasons.

At the other end of the table, struggling Betis remain in the relegation zone and are third from bottom despite a draw in a match that had been postponed because of Barca's World Club Cup commitments last month.

"This was a great game. I think it showed what we are really capable of when we can hold a team like Barca. I think we will survive," Assuncao said.

"Betis have good players and are a good team. They've also got their fans behind them and if they keep playing like this then I'm sure they'll rise up the table." Rijkaard said.
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