"Real Madrid have acted very quickly and have signed two great players in Baptista and Robinho," the Dutchman was quoted as saying by sports daily Marca on Sunday.

Baptista, who had also been targeted by Arsenal, signed for Real for 20 million euros ($24.20 million) on Friday and Robinho will join his fellow international in Madrid on August 25 after Santos agreed to sell him for $30 million.

Rijkaard said he would have liked to have had Baptista in his squad for next season rather than having to see the powerful forward line up in the all-white shirt of arch-rivals Real.

"I've said before that I'm happy with the squad I've got for next season, but I also recognise that Baptista is a player I would have liked to have had to strengthen the team. I think he will be a real luxury player for them (Real Madrid)."

One of Barcelona's six Brazilian-born players, Deco, said the two signings were a big boost to their arch-rivals but insisted his side were not intimidated by the new-look Real Madrid squad.

"Baptista and Robinho are two great reinforcements, but we certainly aren't scared of anyone."

While Real have also signed Uruguayan pair Pablo Garcia and Carlos Diogo in the close season, Barca have made just two additions to their championship-winning squad with midfielders Mark van Bommel and Santi Ezquerro joining the Catalans on free transfers.