Flick Backs Barcelona to End 11-Year Champions League Drought
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Barcelona launches their 2026-27 Champions League journey on Wednesday night with a home clash against Feyenoord, scheduled for 12:45 AM Hong Kong time, as the Catalan giants aim to end an 11-year drought in Europe's most prestigious club competition . Coach Hansi Flick has expressed confidence in his squad's capabilities, asserting that Barcelona possesses both the quality and the rigorous training standards necessary to claim the Champions League trophy this season . The young attacking talisman Lamine Yamal, who has already collected major honours including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, Euro 2024, and the World Cup at just 19 years of age, has identified the Champions League as the only major trophy still absent from his cabinet . The Catalan club has rebuilt strongly under Flick's leadership since 2024, with emerging talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez joining established players to form a competitive squad . This season's squad has been bolstered by experienced European campaigners including Rodrigo De Paul, Antoine Griezmann, Gabriel Jesus, and Edi Dzeko, all of whom bring prior Champions League pedigree to the team .
Key Points
- Barcelona plays their Champions League opener against Feyenoord at home on Wednesday at 12:45 AM HKT
- The club has not won the Champions League since the 2014-15 season under Luis Enrique
- Coach Flick claims Barcelona has the quality and training standards to win the competition
- Lamine Yamal, 19, has won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Euro 2024, and World Cup but not the Champions League
- New signings De Paul, Griezmann, Jesus, and Dzeko all possess Champions League experience
Why It Matters
Barcelona's renewed Champions League ambitions reflect the club's successful rebuild under Flick, who has transformed a squad that had stagnated in European competition after the departure of their golden generation led by Messi, Neymar, and Suarez . For Lamine Yamal, who has risen to become one of the world's most exciting young footballers, winning the Champions League would cement his status as the defining talent of his generation and complete a remarkable collection of club and international honours at just 19 years old .
Barcelona's renewed Champions League ambitions reflect the club's successful rebuild under Flick, who has transformed a squad that had stagnated in European competition after the departure of their golden generation led by Messi, Neymar, and Suarez . For Lamine Yamal, who has risen to become one of the world's most exciting young footballers, winning the Champions League would cement his status as the defining talent of his generation and complete a remarkable collection of club and international honours at just 19 years old .