Barca have lifted the famous trophy on five occasions but have not won it since 2015.
Despite a spirited 2-1 victory on the night at the Metropolitano, the Catalan giants fell 3-2 on aggregate. Speaking to the press after the final whistle, a visibly disappointed Flick reflected on what might have been, citing a lack of luck and the impact of playing with 10 men following Eric García’s red card.
“I appreciated a lot what I saw.” ✅
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick on his side crashing out of the Champions League
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 14, 2026
“We deserved to be in the semi-finals”
Flick was full of praise for his players’ efforts, particularly their explosive start which saw them level the aggregate score within 25 minutes.
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres scored early goals as Barcelona fought from 2-0 down.
But Flick couldn’t hide his frustration at the fine margins that went against his side, including a disallowed goal for Torres in the second half.
“We played a fantastic game and we played with one player less. I appreciate it very much, but we haven’t had much luck,” Flick told Movistar Plus+.
“It was like that and we have to accept it. In terms of mentality and attitude, the team gave everything. They did a fantastic job but we didn’t achieve it.
“I think we deserved to be in the semi-finals, but we have to accept the result. We played a great tie and I am proud of my players.”
The Champions League Dream
When questioned about what Barcelona need to do to finally reach the summit of European football again, Flick pointed to the youthful nature of his squad while acknowledging the weight of the competition.
“Everybody is disappointed, and I’m sure the fans are too,” Flick admitted. “Everybody is disappointed because winning the Champions League is a dream. We are a young team, there are things to improve and we will do it next season.”
Focusing on the domestic crown
With the European journey over, Flick was quick to pivot the focus back to La Liga, where Barcelona currently hold a commanding nine-point lead at the top of the table. A potential title-deciding Clásico against Real Madrid looms large on the horizon.
“The next step is to win the League; we are on that path. It’s not done yet. We must play together, have a [strong] mentality,” he said.
“Now, the League. For me, it doesn’t matter when we win it. The important thing is winning it. We can focus on La Liga now. It’s tough… but we have to accept it.”
Flick also notably refused to be drawn into a war of words regarding the officiating, despite Barça playing the final stages of both legs with 10 men. “I don’t want to talk about that, because we won’t change it,” he insisted. “It’s good for you [the press] if I talk about it, but I simply don’t want to.”
Liverpool v Newcastle Match Preview Liverpool’s faltering Premier League defence continued with last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth and now Arne Slot’s side host the Magpies in another tricky-looking game. That defeat left the Reds outside of the top four and they cannot afford to lose again, with Jamie Carragher suggesting this week that Slot’s future…
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella said Bodo/Glimt fully deserved to win their Champions League tie as last year’s finalists were dumped out in the knockout play-offs. Bodo backed up their 3-1 win in the first leg at home with a similarly stunning 2-1 win at the San Siro on Tuesday night to win 5-2 and…
Can they actually do it? Arsenal enter the final stretch of the 2025/26 Premier League season in the driver’s seat, boasting 70 points from 31 games. But with Manchester City (61 pts, 30 games played) lurking and a trip to the Etihad on the horizon, the finish line may still feel a mile away for…
Mike Tomlin was not impressed and neither was Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense had a night to forget after losing 25-10 to the Los Angeles Chargers on SNF. Rodgers had a completion rate of just 51.6% and threw for 161 yards as the Steelers suffered their third loss in four games. “This…
Real Madrid are looking to extend their perfect start in La Liga when they host Espanyol this afternoon. Los Blancos have 12 points from 12 so far in the 2025-26 campaign, and they also picked up all three points in their Champions League opener in midweek. Espanyol have also had an excellent start to the…
In a season of underachievement for both West Ham and Tottenham, this was a result that did little to appease either set of supporters. Graham Potter and Ange Postecoglou will remain under pressure following a tame draw between two teams that looked devoid of confidence and fluency. It ends level at London Stadium ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/NVsdObLvd7…
