It seems a longing pain but Barcelona are again humiliated in Europe. The Blaugranas have had 2 faces this season: a ruthless top side in La Liga and an average underperforming side in Europe. It seems quite evident by the fact that they have lost all their big games this season. The team suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the Clasico. The performance drew criticism as the team looked clueless and Real Madrid made lightwork of them. The month of October has been really poor for Barcelona as they have lost out when it mattered the most. The team failed to step up and thus the consequences are there.
Well, the defining moments are the ones in the Champions League. They have been disgustingly poor in putting away their chances in the UCL. The Catalans were on the verge of playing Europa League football once again this season before they even faced Bayern Munich. It feels so harsh given the squad they have got this season. Lewandowski has been nothing but sensational for them. But the Polish have not had much support which has made the team over-dependent on him. He has fired in 14 goals already this season. But Xavi is frustrated with the results and the performances the team is putting in despite being second in La Liga.
But the team once again failed to deliver on the big stage. They have exited the Champions League this season as Bayern Munich were comfortable winners at Camp Nou. The Germans ran over Barcelona as they Dismantled them 3-0. Once again, it is now Xavi against the world. It is a big question as to why competing in Europe is a big task for them. Lewandowski had no major chances against his former club again. It seems that Xavi’s tactics are working in the league but not in Europe. Now they will be playing Europa League football for the 2nd season in a row. The Europa League already has some of the biggest teams in the world and it will be tough competition for the Catalans.
Lionel Messi, the key to Barcelona’s comeback in Europe?
The name Lionel Messi is enough to make any opponent shiver. The Argentine is having a sensational season with PSG and is back to his best after a tough first season. There have been talks about a possible return to his boyhood club. Xavi has given the green light for Messi’s return and that would make Barcelona favorites for all titles.
La Liga President Tebas has shared his view on the situation.
” I think that Messi is not only missed in La Liga, he is missed in football, because the French league is what it is, right?” he said. “I think that no matter how much he is at PSG, he is followed much less than when he was at Futbol Club Barcelona. Therefore, football misses Lionel Messi and we hope he has a great World Cup, because there we will all be able to see him again. I don’t see all the fans watching PSG against Nantes, I don’t see it. With Barça, within a league, I did see him much more often.“
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