Barcelona were dealt a fairly difficult group last season in the Champions League, with Benfica and Bayern Munich in the mix.
After losing Lionel Messi, in a season of transition, and under financial crisis, the Blaugranes were not particularly expected to dominate the group, but had a good enough team that could qualify for the Round of 16.
Unfortunately, courtesy of two 3-0 losses against Bayern, and one shocking 3-0 loss against Benfica, Barça were relegated to the Europa League.
That scenario was completely ruled out this season, though, as the club spent over €150 million to bring in reinforcements that would help Xavi build a team that could compete for all trophies.
That has not ended well for them, though, as the Catalans have, for a second season running, been relegated to the Europa League. This comes on the back of Inter Milan’s 4-0 win against Viktoria Plzen, which means Barcelona’s clash against Bayern becomes largely inconsequential.
Despite this, Joan Laporta and co. have made it clear that they will stick with Xavi as the ‘leader’ of their sporting project.
The Catalans are still very much within a shot of winning La Liga, sitting just three points clear off Real Madrid in the league. The end result of the league could determine Xavi’s future.