BARCELONA - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard is still keen to squeeze more of out his in-form team despite seeing them beat bogey side Atletico Madrid to record their sixth successive victory.
Atletico had won two and drawn one of their previous three visits to the Nou Camp, but goals from Deco, Lionel Messi and Xavi earned Barca an impressive 3-0 triumph and lifted them up to second in the standings, two points behind Real Madrid.
Barca have now won seven of their nine European and domestic matches this season, drawing the other two, but Rijkaard believes there is more to come from his players.
"The team has done well and fulfilled its work," he said after the Atletico game. "(but) there is still room for improvement and we can grow more."
Barca took the lead after 17 minutes when Atletico goalkeeper Christian Abbiati spilled a cross and allowed Deco the simplest of goals.
Messi doubled the lead soon after before Xavi wrapped up the win with Barca's third in the final moments.
Rijkaard believes Deco's opener was a vital breakthrough for his side.
"We have started quite nervously, but after the first goal we have played with much more confidence and speed," the Dutchman said.
"We were not always at the highest level, and were a little tired for the effort we had to put into to take the lead. (But) the team deserved to win."
Messi's goal was his sixth of the season, and saw him go clear at the top of the Primera Liga scoring charts.
Rijkaard said of the brilliant youngster: "He is a key player, capable of doing great things. It is a pleasure to watch him on the pitch."
Barca now have an enforced two-week break due to the international matches, and when they return to action they will face one of La Liga's form teams in Villarreal.
Although they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Osasuna on Sunday, Villarreal had won 15 of their previous 16 matches and Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes admits it is unlikely to be easy for them at El Madrigal.
"It will be a difficult game like always when players come back from international duty," Valdes said.
Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta added on his club's website: "We have shown a good image and attitude (against Atletico), and that is the line that we must follow.
"We are playing good football, and doing things well. After the break we will return with the same desire to continue our good form."
