Barcelona's Champions League dream ended in heartbreak, but manager Hansi Flick insists his team's performance over two legs merited a place in the semi-finals. Despite a valiant effort, a 3-2 aggregate defeat to a resilient Atletico Madrid side, sealed by Ademola Lookman's decisive first-half strike, sent the Blaugrana crashing out.

Addressing the media post-match, Flick focused on the positives from a campaign that fell just short. "We played a fantastic first half," he stated. "Over the two matches, we deserved to stay in the semi-final. The goal against us was unexpected, but that's football. We have to score more goals in these moments, but that's life."

When pressed on what was missing for Barcelona in Europe, Flick shifted the focus to the immediate future and the club's young core. "We have to win La Liga. We have to show the right attitude and mentality," he declared. "Of course, we are all disappointed—the fans, players, coaches. Winning the Champions League is a big dream, and we are on that path. We have a young team, and we will improve next season."

With the league title still within grasp, Flick dismissed the romantic notion of clinching it in El Clasico, emphasizing pragmatism over poetry. "For me, I don't care about when we will win it, I want to win it. I don't care what matchday. It's tough. Everyone really believed we could make the comeback happen, but it was very different in the end."

The German coach praised his squad's overall attitude, believing the fans would share his pride in their effort despite the bitter result. "We have a young team. The fans can be proud of them. We work with the players on that. I know it's disappointing, but it's football, it's like that."

Flick also opted to sidestep any controversy surrounding Eric Garcia's late red card, simply stating, "I don't want to speak about that. I have to accept it."

Attention now turns fully to the domestic title race as Barcelona aim to regroup quickly. They return to La Liga action next week, hosting Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou with their sights set on securing the league crown.