Barcelona's Champions League Hunger: Can La Blaugrana End Their European Drought in 2025-26?

"Our goal is to capture numerous victories and multiple championships."

Hansi Flick grabbed the microphone at the Joan Gamper Trophy ceremony and spoke directly to Barcelona supporters, using Spanish for the first time since his arrival in Spain, conveying a straightforward message about his aspirations for the team during the 2025–26 campaign.

The atmosphere around Barcelona feels markedly different compared to this period last year. Following a trophy-less 2023–24 season, Flick's arrival transformed the club into their first-ever domestic treble winners in 2024–25, performing at the level of one of the globe's elite teams.

Securing four El Clásico victories to complete a clean sweep against arch-rivals Real Madrid stood as the pinnacle of a campaign where Barcelona thoroughly controlled Spanish football. However, a devastating Champions League semifinal loss to Inter Milan crushed Barça's European championship dreams.

Even with a summer that saw Barcelona's persistent financial troubles resurface, the club successfully strengthened key positions and the roster is arguably superior to last season's squad.

Twelve months ago, Barça's goal was simply to remain competitive. Today, the standard is to claim every single trophy they compete for.

Barcelona's Ambitions

Barcelona's domestic objectives are crystal clear: replicate the 2024–25 domestic treble achievement.

Accomplishing this feat won't be simple, nor will matching their previous season's dominance over Real Madrid, who return as Barça's primary competition once more. Flick's squad appears stronger on paper and Los Blancos may need adjustment time under new coach Xabi Alonso. Nevertheless, the battle for Spain's premier division crown promises to be closely contested.

However, Barcelona's primary focus and clear fixation remains Europe. The organization desperately wants to end their decade-plus Champions League trophy drought. Following years of disappointing and even humiliating European displays, Barça came within moments of reaching the Champions League final last season, only to see everything collapse dramatically.

Barcelona demonstrated they've overcome the European stage anxiety that seemed to plague them since the late 2010s. Now, it's crystal clear the club is prepared and determined to bring home their sixth Champions League trophy.

The Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup titles will also be available to claim. While Barça may utilize squad rotation in these competitions, the expectation remains to successfully defend both championships.

Important Match Dates

El Clásico remains the most eagerly awaited match of the campaign for Barcelona supporters. For the consecutive season in La Liga, Barça will travel to Santiago Bernabéu in late October before hosting Real Madrid in what might serve as a potential championship decider next May.

Barcelona must wait until 2026 for their dual league encounters against Atlético Madrid, similar to their two Catalan derby clashes versus Espanyol.

With the Champions League draw still to come, Barcelona awaits learning the identity of their eight league phase opponents.

Key Acquisitions

Barcelona launched their summer transfer activity with remarkable speed, finalizing the acquisition of talented young goalkeeper Joan García from city neighbors Espanyol. The Catalans outmaneuvered numerous competitors and activated García's affordable €25 million ($28.8 million) release clause. The 24-year-old Spanish keeper is now positioned to become Barcelona's starting goalkeeper this season.

Roony Bardghji joined as the summer's second addition when Barcelona secured him from FC Copenhagen for merely €2 million ($2.3 million). The 19-year-old winger remains developing talent, but his ability and potential shone during preseason matches. Should he stay with the senior squad, he's a prime candidate to help manage Lamine Yamal's playing time.

Following unsuccessful pursuits of Nico Williams and subsequently Luis Díaz, Barcelona finally secured their desired left winger by signing Marcus Rashford. While his Manchester United chapter ended abruptly and disappointingly, if he rediscovers his peak form at Barcelona, their offensive capabilities gain a new dimension. Rashford's arrival provides Flick with additional tactical flexibility in the attacking third.

Barcelona's chronic and well-publicized financial difficulties limited their transfer market activity. Despite these constraints, the club managed to secure valuable additions to enhance the squad. The remaining challenge is ensuring Barcelona can register their new signings before the season begins.

Emerging Talents

Marc Bernal featured prominently and excelled during Barcelona's opening three matches last campaign. Unfortunately, an ACL injury cut short his season, which had promised to deliver his senior team breakthrough after excelling through La Masia's ranks. Despite this setback, 2025–26 could fulfill everything 2024–25 failed to provide for the promising midfielder.

While comparisons can be fragile, many Barcelona supporters view Bernal as Sergio Busquets's genuine successor. He possesses height, technical excellence, and demonstrates game intelligence rare for someone his age. The 18-year-old central midfielder appeared comfortable as Barça's midfield foundation early last season, with his exceptional left foot frequently serving as the launching point for deep attacks. His physical presence enables him to win possession through reach and excel aerially.

Bernal was absent from Barcelona's preseason but has trained with the squad throughout the past month. Flick will gradually reintegrate him, but as his playing time increases, he possesses the talent to secure a significant role during the season's crucial phases.

Yamal and Pau Cubarsí are already confirmed starters for Barça, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if Bernal, their La Masia age-group captain, achieves similar status by late 2025–26.

Campaign Forecast

"We'll compete for every available trophy," Barcelona captain Marc-André ter Stegen declared. "We hope that, with your support [Barcelona fans], we can capture every possible title."

Barcelona's intention to pursue another substantial trophy collection in 2025–26 is unmistakable. While it may appear ambitious, it's challenging to dispute that this represents an even stronger team than the one that claimed every Spanish trophy last season.

The La Liga championship race will undoubtedly feature Real Madrid and Barcelona as the primary contenders again, with Atlético Madrid close behind. Los Blancos have undeniably improved through their summer acquisitions and Alonso's appointment, a manager who proved his league management excellence during his German tenure.

Flick's team should be considered La Liga favorites based on their quality and previous season's performance. However, with Barça's primary concentration on the Champions League, late-season rotations are anticipated, providing Real Madrid a genuine opportunity to reclaim the La Liga title.

The Champions League presents an entirely different scenario. Barcelona's squad depth could prove decisive this season, the same depth they lacked previously. Bardghji and Rashford will enable Flick to rotate his attacking stars more frequently, ensuring freshness for the season's climactic moments.

The lengthy campaign may present unexpected challenges and, in European competition, fortune often plays a role. Regardless, it's reasonable to suggest Barcelona enters 2025–26 as the world's finest team, making their elusive sixth Champions League triumph appear genuinely achievable.