‘Luck wasn’t on our side’ – Frenkie de Jong reacts after Barcelona are knocked out of Champions League

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 11: Frenkie De Jong of FC Barcelona and Pedro 'Pedri' Gonzalez of FC Barcelona celebrate victory after the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on April 11, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Frenkie de Jong felt that luck wasn’t on Barcelona’s side as they were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night against Atletico.

Barcelona started well and raced into a 2-0 lead on the night. However, Atletico pulled one back to halve the deficit, while Barca then saw a penalty appeal turned down and had a goal ruled out for offside.

Here’s what De Jong had to say about the game after the final whistle.

“We played a very good match. We gave it our all. I have the feeling that luck wasn’t on our side. I think we’re growing, that we have a young, talented team that can compete for everything. We’re going to keep going like this,” he told Movistar.

Barcelona also suffered yet another red card in the Champions League, when Eric Garcia was sent off, but De Jong is adamant the team are moving in the right direction.

“We’re down one player, which is always more difficult. Everyone gave their all. It wasn’t enough,” he added.

“It’s never good to fall in the quarterfinals. We want to win it. That doesn’t mean we’re not playing well or that we’re not on the right track.

“In the Champions League, it’s all about details and you need a bit of luck. At some point, it has to go our way if we keep going like this.”