ResumeIn Munich, FC Barcelona definitively returned to 2000, the last and extremely turbulent period in club history in which Barça failed to make it through the group stage of the Champions League. Bayern had no compassion for the Catalans: 3-0.
Sports editor
Latest update:
08-12-21, 23:50
By Edwin Winkels
FC Barcelona is allowed to reflect on its sins of recent years, both in financial and sporting policy, in the Europa League. Even less income than the already ailing club had already calculated for this season. And if a place in the top four is not achieved in the Spanish League in six months, there will be no lucrative Champions League at all next season.
It was not surprising, and for no one, the elimination in an empty Allianz Arena. The last two games against Bayern, defeats of 8-2 and 3-0, did not give hope. Neither are the statistics against the Germans. In five previous visits to Munich, Barça lost three times and drew twice. The trainers on the bench who couldn’t win: Cruijff, Van Gaal, Guardiola, Tito Vilanova and Luis Enrique.
In that regard, Xavi Hernández does not have to be ashamed to be in that list now. But he should be concerned. A home defeat to Betis at the weekend, now that elimination. The much desired and beloved ‘son of Barça’ is not yet the king of miracles many had expected. ‘It is what it is’ has been the less optimistic philosophy at the club since the beginning of this season. There is nothing more, especially for players, after the departure in one year of Suarez, Messi and Griezmann, not compensated by reinforcements.
It was striking that in his most important duel, Xavi for the first time tried out a recipe that his predecessor Ronald Koeman invariably applied in his last matches, and without success: Sergiño Dest as right winger. In fact, nothing has changed at all at Barcelona in more than a month, despite the coach change. Because there are no alternatives, partly because of the many injuries.
The most expensive players, in terms of salaries, were sold in the last year. There have been huge cuts in wage costs, but the consequences are also very expensive for the time being. Although the problem arose years ago, of course: the unreal salaries paid nowhere in Europe that most players were paid. It was impossible for Barcelona, which lived mainly on the goals and the quality of Messi, who attracted tourists and marketers to the Camp Nou.
The last lustrum of Barça is the fairy tale of the emperor without clothes, a club that had clothes made of a luxurious fabric that did not exist. So tonight, in a frosty Bavarian evening, the squad stood stark naked on the grass. The snow only made it colder.
For half an hour the blaugranas the impression that they did not want to undress just like that, that they wanted to defend their former pride and just win, for the first time, in Munich, in order to hold off Benfica and already place second in the group for the KO stage . But, as so often, the ruins collapsed even further with the first goal against.
Müller scored his eighth goal against Barca. Sané decided the match before half time: 2-0. Goalkeeper Ter Stegen made a blunder, but really nobody reached a reasonable level among the visitors. Neither do Memphis and Frenkie de Jong; the deep malaise money for everyone.
Musiala made it 3-0 after an hour. It didn’t matter anymore. Barcelona has only scored two goals in this Champions League, in one game against Dynamo Kyiv. It has conceded nine goals. There’s no telling which is worse. Maybe neither. The worst is the lack of a sun on the horizon.
‘Better Bayern’
Barcelona coach Xavi had little trouble admitting that the defeat at Bayern Munich was completely justified. ,,Our opponent was better, superior. It makes no sense to deny that,” said Ronald Koeman’s successor. ,,I have told the players that this is the day of a new beginning. We want to build a very strong team again. Soon we want to play again at a level where we belong and that is not the Europa League, which we have to play in now. We want more.”
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to win that tournament. ,,That’s our next goal now. As frustrating as it may be, but more is not possible now. From now on we have to start over. We want a better Barcelona. I am responsible for that.”
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.
#Barcelona #contribute #Bayern #flies #ingloriously #Champions #League