Barça Reach Semi-Finals, But Dressing Room Reaction Says Otherwise
Barcelona may have secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019, but their 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in Germany left a sour taste in the camp.
Frenkie de Jong: “Relieved, but not proud”
Instead of celebrating, Frenkie de Jong gave an honest assessment.
“We didn’t play well. A lot of players underperformed,” the Dutch midfielder said, cutting through the excitement with a dose of reality.
Despite a 5-3 win on aggregate, De Jong was clearly frustrated by the team’s lack of focus and sharpness.
“We know we’re capable of much more. Right now, it doesn’t feel like a win. Maybe tomorrow we’ll appreciate reaching the semis—but tonight, we’re not satisfied.”
Lewandowski: “Too many mistakes”
Robert Lewandowski echoed De Jong’s concerns, criticizing the team’s careless play and loss of midfield control.
“We made it too easy for them,” the striker admitted. “You can’t keep giving the ball away at this stage. That kind of performance won’t cut it in the semis.”
Though he acknowledged that their qualification was earned across both legs, Lewandowski stressed that this kind of display can’t continue.
“We’re making things harder for ourselves. That has to stop.”
A Warning Ahead of the Semi-Final Showdown
Barcelona may be moving forward in Europe—but internally, there’s a strong sense that current form isn’t good enough. The next round demands much more, and the players know it. The message is clear: improve now, or pay the price later.
