Esmee Brugts: Barcelona...

Barcelona is on the brink of reaching their sixth consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League final as they gear up to face Bayern Munich in the semifinals.

The three-time European champions faced a setback last season, losing in a surprising defeat to Arsenal.

In anticipation of the upcoming semifinal clash, Barcelona’s Esmee Brugts addressed the media. The versatile Dutch player, who has made significant contributions with four goals and two assists this season, has displayed her talents in various positions across the pitch.

Brugts is in her third season with El Femení Culers and aims to secure her second UWCL winners’ medal. Since joining the club in 2023, she has already lifted six trophies, underscoring Barcelona’s winning culture.

The Upsurge of European Football

For Brugts, UEFA Women’s Champions League epitomizes top-level competition. Ahead of the clash with Bayern Munich, she remarked, “It’s the most thrilling competition out there. You can truly gauge your skills against the best in Europe, and we’ve established ourselves as formidable contenders. While that comes with its own set of pressures, it’s also a beautiful experience.”

Despite her achievements, Brugts understands that football is not always a fairytale. “Football can be unpredictable—it can be incredibly enjoyable or quite heartbreaking. Personally, my time at Barcelona has been fulfilling, and I’ve experienced a lot in just the past two and a half years,” she said.

Brugts was part of the squad that dramatically fell to Arsenal in the 2025 UWCL final, where a goal from Stina Blackstenius proved decisive, even though Barcelona outshot Arsenal with 20 attempts compared to their eight.

MARCH 19: Alexia Putellas engages with teammate Esmee Brugts during the UEFA Women’s Champions League on March 19, 2025. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

A club of Barcelona’s status often responds to defeat with renewed strength. They currently sit 13 points clear at the top of Liga F and have also secured first place in the UWCL group stage.

“That fuels our hunger,” Brugts admitted. “As elite athletes, we always strive for more. I’m surrounded by teammates who are equally driven and never settled with what we have; that inspires me to learn and grow.”

‘I Just Love to Play’

This season marks the debut of the UEFA Women’s Champions League under the new group stage format, transitioning from a 16-team multi-group setup to a single 18-team group, where some clubs automatically advance while others face playoffs.

Teams engage in matches against six different clubs during the league phase, with half of those games played at home and the other half away. The format has generally received positive feedback from teams, players, and fans alike.

Brugts shared, “For me, it doesn’t matter—I just really enjoy playing. I believe everyone at Barcelona feels the same. It’s definitely more competitive under this format, which has been great for players and exciting for fans to watch. This development is a positive step, but my love for football remains constant.”

Bayern Munich: The Next Hurdle for Barcelona

German champions Bayern Munich eliminated Manchester United to reach the semifinal where they will face Barcelona. These two teams previously clashed in the group stage, where Barcelona dealt Bayern one of the heaviest defeats in UWCL history with a staggering score of 7-1.

However, Brugts is conscious that the subsequent matches will not be as straightforward as the earlier encounter.

“Certainly, we approach these games with the intention to win; we feel the pressure. While the last game might linger in some minds, we are focused on the task ahead,” she noted. “It’s likely to be a contest with both teams creating numerous opportunities. I hope we can start strong, like last time, but they will have learned from that experience. In football, preparing well and staying focused is our top priority.”

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 25: Esmee Brugts of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team’s first goal with teammate Alexia Putellas during the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 25, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Understanding Esmee Brugts’ Versatility

Esmee Brugts exemplifies versatility; she can adeptly function anywhere along the defensive line and can even venture into midfield. She consistently contributes goals and assists, proving comfortable in advanced roles. The 22-year-old recognizes her value as a utility player.

“I adapt to several roles depending on the game plan,” she revealed. “I recall my first goal against Bayern Munich, where I had the freedom to play more like a midfielder. Here at Barcelona, we enjoy the flexibility to perform in various positions. It ultimately comes down to what coach Pepe [Romeu] decides for each match. I can play on the wing, in the middle, or higher up the field; it all depends.”

How to Watch Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona

The UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals will kick off on Saturday, April 25, with Bayern Munich hosting Barcelona at the Allianz Arena. Tickets are available here. The return leg is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, at Spotify Camp Nou.

The other semifinal will feature Arsenal versus Lyon on Sunday, April 26, with the second leg taking place on Saturday, May 2.

Fans can also catch every match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League live on Disney+ as part of their existing subscriptions.

Esmee Brugts: Barcelona…