Frenkie de Jong Speaks Out and Reveals the One Reason Behind Barcelona’s Champions League Exit to Atlético Madrid

Barcelona were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League despite securing a 2–1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the quarter-finals. The result was not enough to overturn their 2–0 first-leg defeat at Camp Nou last week.

Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who came on in the 82nd minute, was among the first players to speak to the media after the match, offering his assessment of the team’s exit.

“I don’t think you can blame us for anything today,” De Jong said. “Especially after doing the hardest part—overturning the two-goal deficit in the first half within 24 minutes. I think we played a very good game. We gave everything and tried everything.”

The Dutch international emphasized that luck was the only factor behind Barcelona’s elimination.

“I feel that luck wasn’t on our side, but we have to keep going. I believe we are on the right path,” he added.

De Jong also highlighted the team’s long-term progress, pointing to the strength and potential of the squad.

“We are improving every year. We have a young team with a lot of talent and quality, capable of competing in all competitions—as we’ve shown over the past two years—and we will continue in the same way.”