The 3-0 win over Lyon in midweek has bought the Dutchman some time but in a week where the Catalans announced that British architect Norman Foster will revamp their fabled stadium, there had been talk of a different kind of restructuring.

Barca are already four points adrift of champions, leaders and their arch-rivals Real Madrid and Rijkaard can ill afford that gap to grow.

But the coach was pleased with the way the fans rallied behind the team against Lyon.

He told club website www.fcbarcelona.com: "I'm happy that the team played well and the fans supported them. That's what we need. There was a good understanding between the fans and the team."

Second-placed Sevilla have won both Primera Liga games they have played this season but the UEFA Cup holders got caned 3-0 by Arsenal in midweek.

Coach Juande Ramos admitted: "We will have to battle and work hard to go forward."

But it's Real Madrid who have hit the ground running in defence of their Primera Liga title and will look to continue their positive trend away to promoted Real Valladolid on Sunday.

Bernd Schuster's side has won all three Liga matches so far and also made a victorious start to their Champions League campaign, beating Werder Bremen 2-1 this week.

Fernando Gago admits that the transition from the reign of Fabio Capello to Schuster has been a seamless one.

He said: "We've had two different coaches. One had his style and Schuster has another.

"Capello managed to produce good results, especially towards the end of last season. The same has happened at the start of this season. They are two different styles, but both respect the fundamentals of football."

Next up is a visit to Valladolid who have adjusted well to life in the top flight and were unlucky to lose to Valencia last time out.

Villarreal have made a solid start to the season and the yellow submarine will look to keep the upward momentum with a home game with Real Murcia.

Valencia were also victorious in the Champions League in midweek and will be favourites when they travel to Seville to face Real Betis.

Almeria host Real Mallorca while Racing Santander make the trip to the capital where they will play Atletico Madrid.

Getafe is the destination for Deportivo La Coruna while Osasuna make the trip to play a Real Zaragoza side whose coach Victor Fernandez could also do with a win after a poor start to the campaign.

Levante host Athletic Bilbao in a battle between two clubs who have struggled to make an impact this season while on Saturday Espanyol travel south to play Recreativo Huelva who are failing to live up to last season's standards.