Nottingham Guardian - 'I only feel pain': Barca's Putellas after Champions League defeat

The Catalans were hoping for a fourth European crown but fell 1-0 in Lisbon against underdogs Arsenal, who claimed their second.

Barcelona were aiming for a third consecutive triumph but came up short with a flat display, below their usual brilliant best.

"We have to congratulate Arsenal, they set up well, but we were not at our level, and we couldn't find it," two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas told DAZN.

"It hurts a lot, above all for the fans who did not deserve a final like this.

"We're hurting, right now I only feel pain. Tomorrow we'll get back up and start trying again for next year."

Barcelona coach Pere Romeu said his team needed to be "self-critical" but also said despite the defeat it did not taint their season.

The Catalans won Liga F and the Spanish Super Cup and can complete a domestic treble in June when they face Atletico Madrid in the Copa de la Reina final.

"Motivation to win is in the DNA of the players and this club," he said.

"When you lose a final like this it's a complicated moment obviously, the season has been very good and this 90 minutes don't define the season."

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who has also won the Ballon d'Or twice, said she was "devastated" but pledged that the team would be back to add more silverware to their collection.

"A large part of the sadness and frustration I have is for the fans that have travelled," she said.

"I am really sorry. We will be back."

M.Scott--NG