Champions League: Barcelona does not qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time in 21 years; Barca set to play in the Europa League – Follow Live Updates: Barcelona endured their worst Champions League campaign in two decades on Thursday, as another humiliating defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich sealed elimination at the group stage.
The Catalans went into their final game battling Benfica for the second qualifying spot in Group E and knowing they might well need to chase a result in the Allianz Arena. But Benfica’s 2-0 victory in Lisbon over Dynamo Kyiv means that the Blaugrana will have to settle for the Europa League after the new year
Xavi’s young Barca team tried to compete against Bayern but never came close to bothering the German champions, Bayern looked to be in control all the time. Follow Live Football news & updates on InsideSport.IN
Muller after sending Barca to the Europa League 👀 pic.twitter.com/q7B3raLx6w
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 8, 2021
When did Barcelona not qualify for the Champions League?
The last time Barcelona didn’t qualify for the Champions league was back in the 2000/2001 season, which means if Barcelona fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League 2021/2022 Round of 16, it will be the first time in 20 years Barcelona would have failed to do so.
Pep Guardiola was the skipper who lead his team in the 2000/2001 season. Barcelona were placed with AC Milan, English side Leeds United and Besiktas. Serie A giants AC Milan topped the group while Leeds United booked the second spot in the Champions League.
Some of the players who were part of the Barcelona team that didn’t qualify for the Champions League Knockout stage included some star names in the squad
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Frank de Boer
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Carles Puyol
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Pep Guardiola
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Luis Enrique
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Xavi Hernandez
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Emmanuel Petit
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Marc Overmars
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Patrick Kluivert
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Rivaldo
The last time Barcelona didn’t qualify for the Knockout stages:
Barcelona in Champions League 2000/2001: Won 2, Draw 2, Lost 2 (didn’t qualify for Round of 16)
Barcelona in Champions League 1998/1999: Won 2, Draw 2, Lost 2 (didn’t qualify for Round of 16)
Barcelona in Champions League 1997/98: Won 3, Draw 2, Lost 3 (didn’t qualify for Round of 16)
Champions League: Barcelona may not qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time in 20 years; Barca’s fate lies in Bayern Munich’s hands
Barcelona have scored just twice in the Champions League this season, both the goals coming in their two wins against Dynamo Kyiv. So, it goes without saying that Xavi & Co. will need to change that if they are to stand a chance of winning against Bayern Munich come Wednesday.
Barcelona will play against Bayern Munich as their final chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 as their fate is in the hands of Bayern Munich and not to forget Robert Lewandowski who came second in the Ballon d’Or voting will look to take his revenge over the Spanish side.
Full Time #BayernBarça pic.twitter.com/NbtiSnhJjl
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 8, 2021
This team was the culmination of everything that FC Barcelona stands for, and produced an amazing string of major titles, including two Champions Leagues and three Spanish Leagues, plus the long-awaited Club World Cup, which was finally won in 2009, that extraordinary year when Barcelona won all six major trophies, something unprecedented in the history of European football. Barça broke all kinds of records, played memorable matches and won just about every title on offer.
But the finest hour for Guardiola’s side came at Wembley on 28 May, 2011, when the world was enchanted by the kind of football that dreams are made of. The world’s press bestowed praise on this extraordinary side that had written one of the most incredible chapters in the history of the game. The Guardiola era ended in 2012 but Barça continued their success under Tito Vilanova (the league in 2012/13) and Luis Enrique who in 2015 won the Champions League, the League and the Copa del Rey in another historic treble winning season.
Champions League: Barcelona does not qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time in 21 years; Barca set to play in the Europa League – Follow Live Updates
GROUP E Qualification scenarios:
Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Benfica & Dynamo Kyiv
Bayern Munich have already qualified and will keep their place at the top to get a favourable second placed opposition in the UEFA Champions League draw.
The battle for the second and third place will go down to the wire with Barcelona in second and Benfica in third. Barcelona have a two point advantage but face a tough test against Bayern Munich in which the Spanish team have failed to win in their last 3 matches. Bayern have scored 14 goals against Barcelona in their last 3 meetings.
Round of 16 line-up confirmed tonight! ✔️
Which 2 teams have been most impressive? 🤔#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 8, 2021
Benfica host Dynamo Kyiv, with the Portuguese side boasting the superior head-to-head record over the Catalans. So if Barcelona earn a draw against Bayern and Benfica win against Dynamo, goal difference and head-to-head will play it’s part which favours Benfica. A win in Germany sees Xavi’s men safely through, but should they draw or lose, they will be reliant on Benfica failing to win as well.
Champions League: Barcelona may not qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time in 20 years; Barca’s fate lies in Bayern Munich’s hands
Editors pick
