Barcelona threw away the opportunity to reach the Champions League semifinals just because of a goal from Atletico Madrid scored by Ademola Lookman. Coach Hansi Flick admitted that the final result of the match would have changed if Barca could score the third goal.
Barca only won 2-1 over Atletico in the second match of the quarterfinal round at the Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Wednesday, April 15, 2026 WIB. Barca actually had the opportunity to add a goal when Ferran Torres managed to score a brace in the second half. Only that goal was annulled because he was in an offside position.
Previously, midfielder Fermin Lopez also got a good chance when facing goalkeeper Juan Musso. However, the opportunity was not used to break into the Atletico goal.
After losing defender Eric Garcia who got a red card for blocking Alexander Sorloth from behind, Barca struggled to add goals. Even though they won in this big match between La Liga Spain teams, Barca was still eliminated because they lost 3-2 on aggregate. This is inseparable from Barca's 2-0 defeat in the first match at home.
"We are of course disappointed," Flick said in response to Barca's defeat as quoted by the UEFA website. "We actually created a lot of chances, especially in the first half," he said again.
"We also had the opportunity to score the third goal. Instead of being able to add goals, we even conceded," said the former German national team coach.
According to Flick, the team's final settlement should have been better so that it was able to complete the existing opportunities. Moreover, the Blaugrana actually started the match well. They managed to score two goals in less than 25 minutes. Even Lamine Yamal has broken Musso's goal when the match was only four minutes.
Barca became more confident after adding a goal through Torres in the 24th minute. The goal that tied the aggregate to 2-2. Unfortunately, while chasing the third goal, Joan Garcia's goal was conceded in the 31st minute and finally won 2-1.
"That's football. We should have been able to get a better result. But this is more about mentality and attitude. The team gave everything. The players did a very good job. It's just not enough to get us through," said Flick.
Meanwhile, midfielder Frenkie de Jong said the team needed luck when playing in the Champions League. The question is, the team is not blessed with luck so that some opportunities that should have been converted into goals failed to bear fruit.
"We played very well. And, we gave everything. But, I think we were unlucky. In the Champions League, sometimes you need luck," said De Jong.
"Of course this is not a satisfactory achievement when we are eliminated in the quarter-finals. Because we want to win," he said.
Failing in the Champions League, Barca turned their focus to the domestic competition. This is the last title that can still be won because Barca also failed in the Copa del Rey. However, they have already won a trophy by winning the Supercopa de Espana.
In the La Liga competition, Barca has a great chance to become champions. They are still leading the standings with a nine-point advantage over their closest rival, Real Madrid.
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