Barcelona banking on youth after Champions League disappointment against Atletico

FC Barcelona are pinning their hopes on their young squad to bounce back from another Champions League setback after being knocked out by Atletico Madrid.

Despite winning 2-1 on Tuesday, Barcelona exited the competition 3-2 on aggregate, marking their second consecutive painful elimination following last season’s semi-final defeat to Inter Milan.

The Catalan side is now looking to its next generation — led by 18-year-old Lamine Yamal — to learn from the experience and return stronger.

“It’s tough because everyone really believed that we could make it happen today,” said coach Hansi Flick.

“We will analyse everything. When something like that happens, players (must) make the next step. We have a young team and they will improve.

“Every day we have to learn more, we have to be better and this is what we have to do.”

Flick must also address uncertainty within the squad, including the future of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who turns 38 this summer, and whether the club will retain Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal.

Injuries to Raphinha have added to the challenges, while several other players face uncertain futures.

Defensively, Barcelona struggled throughout the campaign, conceding 20 goals in 12 matches and failing to keep a clean sheet, with Atletico capitalising on their high defensive line.

However, the team remains on track domestically, sitting comfortably ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga.

“I don’t care when we win it, I want to win it, it doesn’t matter what day,” Flick said.

Midfielder Frenkie de Jong insisted the team is progressing despite the setback.

“It’s never good to go out in the quarter-finals because we want to win it, but it doesn’t mean we didn’t play well or aren’t on the correct path,” he said.

“We’re growing every year. We have a young team, with a lot of talent and a lot of quality that can already compete for every competition.”

With promising players like Yamal, Pedri and Pau Cubarsi continuing to develop, Barcelona hope their youthful core will be better prepared to challenge for European glory next season.

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