"I have to congratulate the players despite not having won, the team responded with character," Rijkaard was quoted as saying by Barcelona’s website after the game.

"Normally praise is only given when they win, but today I've seen good things," said the Dutch boss.

Barcelona squandered a one-goal lead for the second time in less than a week after their 2-2 injury time draw against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Ronaldinho put Barcelona ahead five minutes from the interval when he slammed a low spot-kick home after Javier Saviola was clipped inside the area.

Deportivo equalized in the 72nd minute when Juan Rodriguez poked home on the rebound after Victor Valdes parried Fabian Estoyanoff's penalty-kick into his path.

"We were only missing a goal because Barça created more occasions". "We wanted the win and we have created many chances, we've just been unable to find a way through," he added.

Rijkaard also dished out praise for Argentinean striker Saviola, who made his first start for the Spanish champions this season.

"He played well and contributed to the play which resulted in the goal," said Rijkaard.