Barcelona Still Continuing The Champions League Title Paccyclik

JAKARTA - Hansi Flick said the Barcelona players deserved respect in Europe once again, but he missed the glory of the Champions League after suffering a painful semifinal defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, early morning WIB.

Barcelona came from two goals behind to lead 3-2 at Giuseppe Meazza, aggregate 6-5, ahead of injury time.

However, Francesco Acerbi's goal in the 93rd minute brought the game to extra time. Davide Frattesi then scored to ensure a 7-6 aggregate win for Inter Milan and secured a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.

"I think the team, the players deserve respect (in Europe). However, we played for the title."

"We want to win the title. Next season we want to do it. This is one of our goals. We will return next season in the Champions League," Flick told a news conference after the game.

It has been 10 years since Barcelona last reached the Champions League final, beating Juventus to lift the trophy for the fifth time in 2015.

Since then, they have suffered an embarrassing defeat to Roma and Liverpool, respectively in 2018 and 2019. In fact, the Blaugrana have competed in the Europa League twice in recent seasons.

Their achievements in the semifinals of the season prove that they can compete with Europe's top clubs once again.

However, they may have to step up the defense to take the next step after conceding seven goals in two games against Inter Milan.

"Of course we can do more (in defense). In the end, the Inter Milan strikers are very good."

"They can control the ball. They are very strong and experienced. We have a young team."

"We will improve it, of course. This is our job, to make this team better."

"Of course, we can not only increase our defenses, but also in terms of attacks," said Flick.

Barcelona came back twice from behind to equalize 3-3 at the Olympic Lluis Companys in the middle of last week and had to fight hard in Milan with a two-goal conceded before halftime.

Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring and Hakan Badminton doubled the home team's lead from the penalty spot after the referee ruled Pau Cubarsi had fouled Martinez after a VAR review.

Barcelona then came up to equalize with goals from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo before Raphinha gave them the lead for the first time in the game in the 87th minute.

However, Acerbi and Frattesi confirmed a crushing defeat.

Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer also became a hero for the hosts. He performed brilliantly with two saves at the end of the match, including one save against Barcelona's sensational Lamine Yamal.