Barcelona defender Jules Koundé said he was “happy” to make it to the Champions League semifinals, but didn’t hide his disappointment after the 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the second leg of the quarterfinals.

Happy with the result, but critical of the performance

“It was a huge goal for us from the start of the season. I’m really happy we made it—it's been six years since the team got this far, and that’s something we have to appreciate. But honestly, I’m disappointed with the way we played,” the defender told Movistar+.

Koundé pointed out that Barça lacked “a bit of everything” they’d done right in the 4-0 first-leg win: “aggressiveness, pressing, focus, winning duels, and shutting down passing lanes.” He also admitted that the atmosphere in Dortmund played a part: “They were at home, with a loud and amazing crowd, and we just didn’t measure up.”

Below the level they expected

“We had a bit more control in the second half, but we still made mistakes. It was a poor game,” the Frenchman continued, revealing that coach Hansi Flick asked them at halftime for “more focus and intensity,” but admitted “the team didn’t do enough.”

Despite the bad feeling, Koundé still highlighted what the team has achieved so far. “It might feel like we didn’t go through, but we did. I’m just disappointed because I know this team can play much better—we’ve shown it all season,” he said.

The full-back ended on a more optimistic note: “It’s exciting to be among the best four in Europe. From day one of preseason, we’ve been dreaming of winning the Champions League. There’s just one step left to reach the final, and we should be proud of the team’s work—we’re still alive in every competition.”