Barcelona still confident of qualifying for next round

MADRID, Oct 19 (Reuters) European champions Barcelona remained confident they would qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League despite falling 1-0 away to Chelsea.

Didier Drogba's superb strike just after the break put the English champions top of Group A with nine points from three games, five ahead of Barca and Werder Bremen, who beat Levski Sofia 2-0.

''Now it is clear we cannot slip up again. The group is a tough one but we always knew that nothing would be decided until the very end,'' Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta told reporters.

It was a first defeat in the tournament for Barca since they lost 4-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in March 2005, to go out in the first knockout round.

They gained revenge last season beating Jose Mourinho's side on the way to lifting the trophy but after a draw and a defeat from their three games this time round, the pressure is now on Frank Rijkaard's team.

To make maters worse their next game in the group is against Cheslea again, in the Nou Camp on October 31.

''We played well in the first half but the match changed with Drogba's goal,'' Mexican defender Rafael Marquez said.

''Our rivals know us much better now and it makes it a lot harder for us going forward. They pressure us more and we are creating fewer chances.'' The Catalan-based sports press were clear about what they felt was at the root of Barca's failings, lamenting the absence of leading striker Samuel Eto'o who is out for five months with a knee injury.

''One thing that is clear from the defeat is that we miss Eto'o more than we could have imagined. Not only for his goals but also for his work-rate and commitment,'' said a leader in daily Sport.

''Drogba gave Chelsea what Eto'o gives Barca.'' The Spanish champions may be off the pace in Europe but they are unbeaten and three points clear at the top of the Primera Liga and face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Barca captain Carles Puyol said: ''It was a one-off against a very good Chelsea side and we should put it behind us quickly.

''A win against Real on Sunday would help put everything right again.'' REUTERS PDS BD1500