Barca Suffer Morale Blow Amid Hunt for Quadruple

Barcelona reached the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2019, but Wednesday's defeat by Borussia Dortmund gave the Catalans cause for concern.

- Agencies

BARCELONA:

Hansi Flick's side lost their unbeaten start to 2025, falling at the 25th hurdle and were given a scare in the 3-1 defeat by Dortmund, progressing 5-3 on aggregate after their emphatic first-leg rout.

Barca have been the competition's most entertaining side and for the first time in years are serious contenders to lift the trophy, but their undoing in Germany sapped their confidence. "There was not a great atmosphere in the dressing room...it was only when I told them, 'Lads, we're in the semifinals,' that it lifted a bit," said Flick.

Barcelona started well this season before a dismal slump towards the end of 2024 when they lost momentum and belief, before recovering after the winter break. As quickly as things changed for the better, they can change again for worse, particularly given Barcelona's hectic schedule as they battle for a potential quadruple.