We're better than United - Barca chief - Sport in brief

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The teams drew 0-0 in the first leg of their semi-final at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night, but Laporta believes his side will prevail in next Tuesday's meeting at Old Trafford.

He said: "We should have got more from the game, but I believe we have more quality than United and we will demonstrate that at Old Trafford."

He continued: "I am proud of the team, they performed very well. The fans also deserve a special mention. They were great and they never stopped supporting us."

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard echoed those sentiments - to fans who have been hugely critical of the team in recent weeks - and also believes his troops can advance to a second Champions League final in three seasons.

He said: "The team transmitted sensations and the crowd responded. They were great, it was a fantastic match. It is still open. We are capable or scoring away from home so we have a great chance."

Rijkaard will welcome back captain Carles Puyol from suspension at Old Trafford next Tuesday but fellow defender Rafael Marquez is banned after picking up a yellow card on Wednesday night.

Deco missed training on Thursday following an awkward fall in the game against United, but should be fit for next week's second leg. Lionel Messi should also start the return match against Sir Alex Ferguson's side, despite still being well short of match fitness.

Rijkaard for one was pleased with the way both players performed against the English champions.

He said: "Deco made a huge effort and I was pleased with him. With Messi, we have to watch him and proceed with caution because he has only come on twice (following his injury) before the game."