Barcelona facing disastrous Champions league group stage exit

Barcelona started the season flying. New signings, a defined plying style, sturdy defence and a bonafide goal scorer. What could go wrong? Well, Following a 3-3 draw with Inter, the Catalan giants now face the prospect of exiting the Champions League at the group stage for a second consecutive year. While a loss would have eliminate Xavi Hernandez’s side immediately, a draw still keeps them in the hunt, even if their chances are now very slim. 

Can Barcelona still qualify? 

Last night Xavi fielded a team he felt had the best chance of getting a win at home against Inter. With injuries to key players, Barça had to field the inexperienced Eric Garcia alongside Pique. They conceded the sort of goals you would expect a defensive pairing of Pique and Garcia to allow. However, With the La Liga club staring at the prospect of being eliminated last night, Robert Lewandowski scored a last-minute equalizer to secure a crucial draw. Despite this, the club will still need Inter to lose both of their last games to progress. Barcelona will have to win both their remaining games, though a win and a draw might also suffice if Inter lose to both Bayern and Plzen.

With Barcelona yet to play group leaders Bayern and Inter playing Plzen, the Catalans will need nothing short of a miracle to progress.

The Europa League

On the balance of performances in the group so far, barring a miracle or surprise, Barcelona will play in the Europa League this year. A competition in which last season they lost at the quarter-final stage to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt. It will be a major disappointment for a team that many people considered favorites going into the tournament.