For the first time in over two decades, Barcelona has suffered a Champions League group-stage knockout . Fans will have to get used to the unfamiliar feeling of Thursday night games in a competition the club has never played in since it was rebranded as the Europa League.
That change will be the first of many, as new coach Xavi saw the scale of the rebuild needed to be laid bare on Wednesday night at a chilly Allianz Arena.
The cold truth is this may be the last Wednesday night date in Europe Barca have for some time because they fight with their hands to finish in the top four in La Liga and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Xavi looked on with a grimace on the touchline, impotent in the face of Bayern’s casual show of force, although this elimination was always likely despite his positivity about the club’s chances. The 3-0 defeats against Bayern and Benfica earlier in the group stage gave Barcelona an uphill challenge, which the many injuries they have suffered compounded.
Ada Peter
