Joao Cancelo sets Champions League sights after Barcelonas 5-1 win

Joao Cancelo says Barcelona are “on the right track” to challenge for the Champions League after starting their European campaign with a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord.

The Portugal defender completed the full 90 minutes at home on Wednesday as Barcelona made an emphatic return to the competition, securing the ideal response to their disappointing campaign last season.

Cancelo, who was making his first start of the season, said winning the Champions League with Barcelona remains one of his main ambitions.

“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 5-1 result was particularly important for Barcelona after last season left them with regrets in Europe.

“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,” Cancelo said.

“It was important to win; we did so and, what’s more, we put in a great performance.”

The match also marked a significant personal step forward for Cancelo, who had not started any of Barcelona’s previous fixtures this season.

He had played only around 30 minutes in La Liga before being selected against Feyenoord, but his complete performance could now strengthen his prospects of a more regular role.

Barcelona are competing on several fronts, with Cancelo keen to build on his return to the starting line-up as the season progresses.

The defender also gave his backing to Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d’Or race, offering a strong endorsement of the teenager after his impressive performances.

“The only player who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or is Lamine Yamal,” Cancelo said.

Barcelona will return to La Liga on Sunday when they face Levante at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.