Four-time champions Barcelona failed to progress to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the first time in two decades after crashing out in the group stages.
The Spanish giants appeared all but destined to play in the Europa League after slipping to three defeats in six group stages matches, but their ultimate demise arrived in their penultimate fixture, with Barça losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on September 13.
A first-half goal from Thomas Müller was followed by strikes from Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala, more than enough to send Barça packing and into the Europa League.
"We were not at Bayern's level," coach Xavi admitted after the loss. "They were better. In Munich we were ourselves, but today they were better, intense.
"There were a lot of expectations, but we got a tough group. All sorts has happened to us in the group stage.
It's been cruel on us, but we did not compete well.
"I have said that we have to be united, tackle the situation head on. We have been knocked out of the Champions League, but the season does not end in October. There are other competitions."
This story is from the March 2023 edition of Soccer Club.
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This story is from the March 2023 edition of Soccer Club.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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