Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid on a 3-2 aggregate after Ademola Lookman’s decisive first-half goal
- Hansi Flick stated that Barcelona “deserved to stay in the semi-final” and highlighted the squad’s youthful quality
- Barcelona will face Celta Vigo at Camp Nou next week, holding a nine-point advantage at the top of La Liga
Champions League Exit Shatters Semi-Final Ambitions
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick believes his side merited a place in the Champions League semi-finals, despite being edged out 3-2 on aggregate by Atletico Madrid. Ademola Lookman’s first-half strike proved pivotal for Diego Simeone’s side, and Barcelona’s hopes of European glory were dashed.
🚨 Hansi Flick: "The next step for us is to win La Liga. We want to win it."
"I don't care when, but we want to win it as soon as possible."
"We have to show that we are winners in the next few matches." pic.twitter.com/C3LERsZkUx
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 14, 2026
Manager and Player Reactions Post-Match
When asked how he addressed his squad following the disappointment, Flick responded, “Like we always do. We decide what situation we will show them and what we have to make better. We played a fantastic first half. The goal for them was not expected, but it’s like football. When we see both matches, we deserved to stay in the semi-final. We have to score more goals, but that’s life.”
Frenkie de Jong: “I think we’ve played a really good game, we gave it our all, luck wasn’t on our side. Every year we’re growing, we have a young team with a lot of quality, we’re going to keep going like this.”
Focus Shifts to Securing La Liga Silverware
In reflecting on the campaign, Flick highlighted the need to regroup and aim for domestic success: “We have to win La Liga. We have to show the attitude mentality. Of course we are disappointed, the fans, players, coaches, for everyone, it’s a big dream to win the Champions League. We are on that way. We have a young team, and we will improve next season.”
Regarding the possibility of clinching the league title during El Clasico next month, Flick remained pragmatic: “For me, I don’t care about when we will win it, I want to win it. I don’t care what matchday. It’s tough. I think everyone really believed in that [comeback], that we can make it happen. But it was very different in the end.”
Team Attitude and Fan Support Recognised
Flick expressed satisfaction with the squad’s mentality and suggested that supporters can take pride in the team’s efforts: “We analyse everything, when something happens like that, they take the next step. As I said, we have a young team. We have to also speak about what they are doing, the fans are proud of the team. We work with the players on that. I know it’s disappointing. It’s football, it’s like that.”
After expressing concern over the refereeing in the first leg, Flick refrained from discussing the decision to send off Eric Garcia in this tie, commenting, “I don’t want to speak about that. I have to accept it.”
Upcoming Fixture
Barcelona are set to return to La Liga action next week, welcoming Celta Vigo to Camp Nou while holding a commanding nine-point lead atop the table.
