Ambitious Barcelona look to complete the job in Paris

BARCELONA, Apr 27 (Reuters) It says a lot for the ambition of Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona that yesterday's victory over six-times champions AC Milan was met with measured celebration rather than unbridled euphoria.

''We accomplished our objective in this match,'' was Rijkaard's judgement on his side's achievement in qualifying for their first final in 12 years. ''But this is not the end, we want to go to Paris and win the competition.'' Barcelona have never missed a European season in the 50 years since continental competition began yet they have won its most prestigious trophy only once.

They have often been labelled the most entertaining and exciting outfit in Europe but have fallen short when it comes to results.

Although they have reached the final four times before, their solitary success remains their 1-0 victory over Sampdoria in 1992.

Rijkaard's team are determined to match the achievement of Johan Cruyff's ''dream team'' when they meet Arsenal in Paris on May 17.

''Our dreams are a step closer to being realised,'' said striker Samuel Eto'o. ''We had to suffer to get here but it will be nothing compared to the joy if we can win the final. We all want to win it and dedicate it to the fans who follow us.'' Eto'o believes that past disappointments, such as last season's elimination by Chelsea in the first knockout round, have given the side a harder edge that has enabled them to beat the English champions and Milan this time round.

''We learned last season that we have to know how to defend a result and that's what we have done. We've learned how to struggle in order to get what we want.'' ITALIAN GIANTS Although Barca dominated for long periods of the game against Milan yesterday, they certainly had to sweat it out to beat the Italian giants.

Eto'o and Henrik Larsson were denied what looked like certain goals by some top-class saves from Milan keeper Dida, while defender Juliano Belletti spurned a gilt-edged chance with an air-shot when the goal was at his mercy.

Milan looked to have forced the tie into extra time when Andriy Shevchenko headed home midway through the second half, only to see the goal ruled out for an apparent foul on centre back Carles Puyol.

But Barca kept their heads and managed to become only the second side to beat Milan in the semi-finals since the European Cup began 50 years ago.

First-time finalists Arsenal, who beat Villarreal in their semi-final after a last-minute penalty save from German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, now await them in Paris.

The game will be given added spice by the fact that the Londoners' captain, France striker Thierry Henry, may join Barca next season while their rising talent Cesc Fabregas is a product of the Catalan club's youth system.

''Arsenal are a great team and it promises to be a great game,'' said Barca midfielder Deco, the only member of the Barca squad to have won the European Cup, triumphing with Porto in 2004.

''Their style of play might suit us better than that of Villarreal but there are never any favourites in a final. I just hope it is a good game and that we win it.

''We've got a great opportunity to make history at this club. Now we have to complete the job.'' REUTERS PDS PM1515