Ronaldinho out to take final chance

Ronaldinho has billed FC Barcelona's meeting with Werder Bremen tonight as "like a final", but with a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League at stake, the Brazilian insists the importance of the occasion will not knock him off his stride.

'Like a final'
"The responsibility is the same as always," he said. "We know only a victory will do which does make the game a little different, but we are looking forward to it and feel confident. It will be like a final for us." Barça are in third place in Group A, two points behind their Bundesliga opponents. Bremen will qualify if they can avoid defeat but are likely to play their usual attack-minded game which has brought rewards both at home and abroad this season.

'Focus'
Ronaldinho feels that could be to Barcelona's advantage. "We know them well," he explained. "We know their players and how they play. We just have to play like we always do and ensure we stay focussed against their counterattacks. We also have to keep possession and make the most of the chances that come our way."

Goalscoring threat
In the absence of Samuel Eto'o and Javier Saviola, Ronaldinho has shouldered the goal-scoring responsibility for Barcelona this season. He has flourished in the Spanish league with ten goals already but is yet to reproduce that sort of form in the UEFA Champions League where his tally of one goal in five games is four down on his total at the same stage of the competition last season.

'Calm'
As his stunning overhead kick against Villarreal CF last week proved, though, the Brazilian is not short of the inspiration needed to lift his side. "I am feeling calm, but that will change as the game approaches," he continued. "I am aware of the greater sense of expectancy around this match compared to other games."

Still a joy
Not that that will stop him playing with a smile on his face. "The aim is always to enjoy yourself," he said. "Of course, we will have to work hard when we need to. For these games you prepare slightly differently, but with the home crowd behind us we have to be able to enjoy this kind of match."