The Blaugrana are looking for revenge after bowing out of last season’s tournament in dramatic fashion against Roma
Barcelona’s primary objective is to win the Champions League this season, according to Carles Alena.
The Blaugrana are out for revenge after bowing out of last season’s tournament in dramatic fashion against Roma.
Barca defeated Roma 4-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, only to crash out on away goals following a 3-0 reverse in the second leg in the Italian capital.
It proved to be one of the greatest comebacks in recent history but also a source of embarrassment for Barca, who already had the Liga title all-but wrapped up at the time.
However, Alena – a product of the club’s youth system – insists Ernesto Valverde’s side are aiming to bounce back in style by getting their hands on the trophy this campaign.
“Yes, it is clear that the Champions League is a thorn that is stuck in our side,” said Alena, as quoted by Sport.
“Last year, because of the way they [Roma] eliminated us… it was a little unfair because your awful game comes the day you least expect it.
“And it was a good year to have been able to win it. And, because of the way they eliminated us, this year it is like a main objective.
“People are excited about the Champions League and we, too, have not won it for a few years, so it’s a main objective.”
Valverde’s men have started this season’s Champions League in fine fashion as a result, winning three and drawing one of their opening four games in Group B.
Barca, who won the league and cup double in 2017/18, are also top of La Liga and Alena insists his side cannot switch off domestically in their attempts to win another European crown.
He added: “You cannot forget La Liga because every year that we’ve won the Champions League, we’ve also won that.
“You cannot let go of it because it is the most important and the most regular competition, there is also the Copa del Rey, but the Champions League is the main objective of the dressing room.”
Barca return to action against fellow Liga title contenders Atletico Madrid on November 24 before they travel to face PSV in the Champions League four days later.
The Camp Nou outfit were stunned by Real Betis in their last outing before the international break, losing 4-3 in La Liga on home soil.
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