Barca can turn Euro pain to Clasico gain-Enrique

BARCELONA - Barcelona boss Luis Enrique said his final season in charge can still end in glory despite bowing out of the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage to Juventus on Wednesday.

Juventus held onto its 3-0 first-leg lead to progress to the last four by blunting Barca's star-studded attack in a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou.

Neymar left the field in tears, but around the stadium there was appreciation for Barca's valiant effort by the crowd, estimated at 100,000.

"It's a sad night, but we tried until the last minute and that was recognized by the fans at the end," said Enrique, who will step down at the end of the campaign.

"This is a team that never gives up, that fights for every title, doesn't relax and always accepts the challenge.

"It is a joy to belong to a club like this."

Barca now travels to face arch-rival Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday, realistically needing to win to maintain its hopes of a third straight La Liga title.

Madrid tops the standings by three poins, but also holds a game in hand.

"Barca is a team built to compete, to win trophies and to face every challenge," said Enrique.

"It is clear we are very hurt to be eliminated from a competition that excites us so much, but now comes a key game against the leader and a direct rival.

"We have to get ready to compete and I am sure we will do that."

Barca will be without Neymar against Real through suspension and the Catalans will need Lionel Messi back in top form as the Argentine was off target with the only two clear chances the host created on Wednesday.