Barcelona add ten La Masia talents to Champions League squad

When the paperwork hit the UEFA desk on Thursday, a handful of surprised fans lifted their eyebrows – ten names that most people only see in the shadow of the Camp Nou training ground made it onto Barcelona’s official Squad B list for the Champions League.

The list was unveiled just hours before the Blaugrana were set to host Feyenoord in their first league‑phase match of the 2026‑27 campaign. Coach Hansi Flick, ever the pragmatist, said he wanted to give the club’s newest graduates a taste of Europe, even if they might not see the pitch on Tuesday night.

Among the newcomers is midfielder Brian Fariñas, who has been pulling the strings for Barça B this season. His inclusion feels natural – he’s already been a regular in the senior pre‑season friendlies and his vision fits the slick, possession‑based system Flick is trying to cement.

But it’s not just Fariñas. The academy’s crop includes defenders like Jordi Mireles and Alejandro Pereira, winger Alvaro García, and striking prodigy Lucas Rial. All of them have already clocked minutes in the Segunda División, and now they have the chance to sit on a Champions League bench, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe, just maybe, get a late‑game cameo.

“It’s a statement,” said Barca’s sporting director, Marta Rodríguez, after the announcement. “We trust our youth, and we want them to feel they belong here, not just as backups but as integral pieces of the squad.” The sentiment resonates with a club that has always prided itself on nurturing talent from the famed La Masia.

Of course, not every name on the list will travel to Rotterdam for the return leg, but the mere fact they are registered means they’re eligible to play should injuries or tactical tweaks call for it. And in a season where Barcelona have already racked up 17 goals in four La Liga games, the coaching staff is clearly looking for fresh legs to maintain that momentum.

For the youngsters, the message is clear: work hard, stay patient, and be ready. As one of the academy coaches put it, “Tomorrow’s stars are sitting on today’s bench.” The Feyenoord match will be a first taste of the biggest stage for many of them, and Barcelona fans will be watching with a mix of curiosity and hope.