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Lamine Yamal took to social media to post a heartfelt message after Barcelona's Champions League quarterfinal exit, referencing a promise he made a year ago that he would not rest until he delivers a sixth European crown to Catalonia.
A stunning Yamal performance against Atlético Madrid nearly sparked a remarkable Barcelona turnaround. However, his heroics were not enough as Hansi Flick's team fell 3–2 on aggregate to their Spanish rivals, prolonging a Champions League drought that has lasted since their last victory in 2015.
Yamal walked off the pitch at the Metropolitano with his head held high. Following the elimination, he shared impassioned words for Barcelona fans, appearing to recall the pledge he made after the club's exit from the same competition a year prior.
"We gave everything but it wasn't enough," Yamal wrote on Instagram. "This is part of the process: to reach the summit we must climb and we know it won't be easy and they won't let it be. But quitting is simply not an option.
"We have more than enough reasons to believe, and we'll go after it with absolutely everything we have. Every setback is a lesson and don't doubt for a second that we'll learn from each and every one of them.
"We are Barça, and we'll return to where we belong. My parents raised me to believe a man must always keep his word ... and we will bring it [the Champions League] to Barcelona. Always Barça."
Barcelona Players React to Champions League Elimination
Yamal was not the only Barcelona player to share emotional words following the Champions League exit. In fact, nearly the entire squad posted messages on social media in an effort to lift the spirits surrounding the club.
"We gave it everything" was a recurring sentiment echoed by the likes of Eric García, Fermín López, Ferran Torres, and Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker also noted, "it hurts more than words can say," in what could have been the final Champions League appearance for the third-highest scorer in the competition's history.
As emotional as the words from club captains Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong were, both remained full of optimism. Each expressed confidence that Barcelona would return stronger and deliver the trophy their devoted supporters crave most—Real Madrid have won three times as many (15:5). Pedri went even further with a passionate and moving Instagram post in which he spoke candidly.
"No matter how hard you try and want something, things don't always go the way you hope," Pedri wrote. "Now we must learn from this defeat, identify what we can and must improve. That has to be the driving force for the future, to win the Champions [League].
"We are not satisfied with what we have achieved, and I'm certain that this sadness will be the fuel that creates happiness soon."
It is evident that falling short of the season's primary objective dealt a significant blow to Barcelona's squad morale. Yet perhaps no member of Flick's side felt the pain more deeply than a player who never even set foot on the pitch against Atlético.
One of The Hardest Moments of Raphinha's Career
A hamstring injury kept star winger Raphinha out of Barcelona's quarterfinal clash against Atlético Madrid. The Brazilian was unable to contribute and directed his frustration at opposing fans and match officials following the elimination, making his visible anguish plain for all to see.
But once he had calmed down, Raphinha turned to social media to express his thoughts, opening up about what he called "one of the most difficult feelings of my career."
"Watching my teammates in that moment and not being able to be out there fighting alongside them," Raphinha wrote. "Being on the sidelines, unable to do what I love most, hurts in a way that is hard to put into words.
"I suffered through every minute as though I were on the pitch, with a constant urge to run, to help and to give everything for this team. I feel immensely proud of every single one of my teammates for what they gave until the very end.
"Now it's time to let my body recover, but my mind is already locked in on coming back. Stronger, better prepared and with even greater hunger to serve this club. Because this is not over. We'll lift our heads and fight together once more. Because we are Barcelona."