Barcelona Begin Their Pursuit of the Season’s Biggest Prize

The Champions League returns as Barcelona’s great unfinished ambition, 11 years after the club last lifted the trophy. Hansi Flick’s team begins its campaign against Feyenoord on Wednesday, while Lamine Yamal starts another attempt to claim the one major title missing from his collection.

At 19, Yamal has already won leagues, European Championships, Super Cups and the World Cup. But the Champions League has eluded both him and Barcelona’s current generation of young players. This will be his fourth campaign in the competition, after 33 matches and 11 goals.

Barcelona’s previous attempts ended against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals in 2024 and Inter in the semi-finals the following year. Last season, the dream faded at the Metropolitano after Barcelona won the first leg 2-0 but lost the return 2-1. The same stadium will host this season’s final on June 5, 2027.

The Catalans arrive in strong form. They lead LaLiga after four matches, all victories, and have scored 17 goals. Yet the Champions League has repeatedly exposed the demands of the decisive stages. Barcelona must reach those moments without a red card, injuries or doubts, the article says.

Flick will be without the suspended Eric Garcia and injured Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, who was not registered for the competition because of a long-term injury. Jules Kounde is expected to replace Garcia. The main selection question concerns whether Fermín López or Dani Olmo will play behind the attack. Barcelona’s opponents include former Barça player Gio van Bronckhorst, who has replaced Robin van Persie as Feyenoord coach, and defender Mika Mármol.