João Cancelo made his first competitive start of the season for Barcelona in Wednesday’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord, playing the full 90 minutes as the Catalan side claimed victory. The Portuguese defender has outlined his primary objective at the club: winning Europe’s elite club competition with the Blaugrana.
Prior to the midweek European fixture, Cancelo had accumulated barely 30 minutes across Barcelona’s opening La Liga matchdays, with no starts to his name since arriving in the summer transfer window. His complete performance against Feyenoord represented a significant step forward in establishing himself within Xavi’s setup, offering the 30-year-old his first genuine opportunity to make an impression on the pitch.
Cancelo’s Champions League ambition takes shape in European bow
Speaking to Barcelona’s official media, as reported by MARCA, Cancelo articulated his vision for the campaign ahead. “It’s always special to play at home and in this competition because I’m keen to win it with Barcelona,” he said. “We will do everything we can to achieve that. There’s still a long way to go. We have to take it step by step, but we’re on the right track.”
The left-back emphasised the importance of Barcelona’s opening performance, particularly given the frustration lingering from their European struggles the previous season. “We had to get off on the right foot. Last year we were left with a bit of a bitter taste in our mouths in this competition. It was important to win; we did so and, what’s more, we put in a great performance.”
Why Wednesday’s victory positions Barcelona’s European reset
Cancelo’s display marked not merely a squad rotation decision but a statement of intent from Barcelona entering their continental campaign. The club enters this season determined to overturn last season’s disappointment, and a dominant home victory delivered the narrative they needed. For Cancelo personally, the comprehensive 90-minute outing provides the platform he requires to build rhythm and familiarity with his defensive partners after a summer switch that has left him fighting for consistency in the early weeks.
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Beyond his own performance, Cancelo offered enthusiastic backing for his young teammate in the individual honours race. When asked about the Ballon d’Or conversation, he was unequivocal: “The only player who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or is Lamine Yamal.” His endorsement underscores the emerging talent’s status among Barcelona’s squad and the club’s trajectory as a force capable of developing world-class players.
