Washington, July 31: Brazilian international striker Ronaldinho scored one goal and made a crucial pass to set up another, leading FC Barcelona past AC Milan 2-0 here in an international football friendly.
Playing his second match with the Catalan club since being obtained from Paris Saint-Germain, Ronaldinho showed why "Barca" spent 30 million euros with a sparkling 56-minute performance before a crowd of 45,000 people despite rain yesterday.
"He made artistic moves and passes. He's very inventive," FC Barcelona coach Frank Rikjaard said of Ronaldinho, the Dutchman citing the Brazilian's pass to set up the opening goal.
Ronaldinho showed speed and control in lofting a pass to Ricardo Quaresma, who netted the first goal in the 11th minute. He followed with a goal in the 51st minute from 20 metres out while being tightly guarded.

"Everything went very well," Ronaldinho said. "I was very pleased. My teammates are very attentive and play well."



It was Barcelona's second match without Dutchman Patrick Kluivert, kept from joining the team when it arrived by United States officials. The problem was solved. He is expected to play Sunday in Philadelpia against Manchester United.



Milan faces an important match Sunday as well against rival Juventus of Turin in the Italian Super Cup, the traditional annual match between Italian champions, Juventus, and the cup winner, AC Milan.



They meet in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in a rematch of the European Cup match won by AC Milan.


Bureau Report