Bayern Munich 3-0 Barcelona: Down, out and in the Europa League

Bayern Munich 3-0 Barcelona: Down, out and in the Europa League

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The Catalans suffered in Munich and will play in the UEL for the first time since it was rebranded

Down, out and in the Europa League. That’s the new reality for Barcelona, as Xavi Hernandez made clear after the game, expressing his anger at the club’s situation.

It’s the first time they have suffered a group stage knock out in the Champions League since 2000, and the club have also been in the UCL last 16 each season since 2004. Until now.

They started reasonably at the Allianz Arena in the snow, behind closed doors, but things fell apart when Thomas Muller headed in the opening goal in the 34th minute.

Robert Lewandowski teased Pique before dinking a cross in which Oscar Mingueza should have dealt with, but Muller made a late run to head home, despite Ronald Araujo’s best effort on the line.

Jordi Alba’s injury didn’t help either and Leroy Sane biased home a second from 30 yards, although Marc Andre ter Stegen should have saved his effort. 

Jamal Musiala’s goal in the second half from Alphonso Davies’ cut-back Gavi the scoreline sheen and it could have been more for the hungry Bavarians.

Bayern are levels above the Catalans and it showed. Xavi’s rebuild starts here.