The Spanish giants crashed 3-1 at their more modest neighbours Espanyol on Saturday, the Spanish Cup holder's first win in the derby between the Catalan capital's two top flight teams for five seasons.

"It's a wake up call for the players and the coaches," said Rijkaard humbly, after the loss which keeps them in second in the Spanish first division, two points in arrears of league leaders Sevilla.

Barcelona have also not won in their last three league outings.

"It's very painful to lose a derby but we have to keep on working. We didn't live up to expectations and that we have to take that on board," added the Dutch coach.

"It could serve us well for the games we have ahead. We have time to bounce back and it isn't the end of the world. We still have the confidence that we can go forward (and win trophies)."

Before Barcelona face Liverpool in the Champions League on February 21, they have six La Liga games ahead of them.

Apart from a tricky trip to Valencia, none are against opponents that would normally worry a Barca side on top form but Rijkaard knows that he cannot afford to throw away more points in games against relatively lowly rivals.

Nevertheless, despite his frustration at his team's failings which surfaced after the host's second goal when he punched out the plastic window of the dug out, he paid tribute to the part Espanyol played in an encounter of outstanding entertainment.

Espanyol always had the upper hand apart from a brief period either side of half time and they again showed that they are missing their injured Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, last season's top scorer in the Spanish first division.

"The game was spectacular, aggressive, open and both sides had their chances. They pulled us out of position and we also lost the ball too often when the game was a draw. They also damaged us on the counter-attack.

"They were very well organized and were very quick on the counter-attack. We tended to play our way forward (more slowly) but that's the way we play," reflected Rijkaard.

Rijkaard also absolved his defenders Carles Puyol and Rafael Marquez of making elementary errors which led to Espanyol's goals.

"Other good teams have lost here so it's not that strange," said Rijkaard, although many Spanish pundits and Barca fans were not feeling so charitable on Sunday.