In the Champions League last season, Barcelona was put in a group that included Benfica and Bayern Munich.
The Blaugranes were not particularly expected to dominate the group after losing Lionel Messi, in a season of transition, and while facing financial trouble, but they had a decent enough team that may advance to the Round of 16.
Unfortunately, Barça was demoted to the Europa League as a result of two devastating 3-0 losses to Benfica and two 3-0 losses to Bayern.
This season, though, the club spent almost €150 million on reinforcements to help Xavi create a squad that could contend for all trophies, effectively ruling out that option.
However, things did not turn out well for them because the Catalans were demoted to the Europa League for the second consecutive season. This follows Inter Milan’s 4-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen, making Barcelona’s match against Bayern almost meaningless.
Xavi will continue to serve as the “leader” of their athletic endeavor, Joan Laporta and company have made plain.
With Real Madrid only three points ahead of the Catalans in the standings, the league title is still very much in the Catalans’ grasp. The outcome of the league could have an impact on Xavi’s future.
