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Published
Barcelona have been eliminated from the Champions League and will be playing Europa League football next year after a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich.
The Catalan giants knew they needed a win in Munich to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16.
Xavi's side also needed Dynamo Kiev to take points from Benfica elsewhere to have any hopes of advancing from Group E.
Benfica ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Roman Yaremchuk and Gilberto meaning Barca's result was irrelevant.
Sergio Busquets and Ronald Araujo were booked inside the first 15 minutes as Bayern looked to make it six wins out of six.
Jordi Alba was a doubt for the game and despite starting, he was forced off after 28 minutes through injury.
Bayern got their breakthrough 34 minutes in through Thomas Muller's looping header.
Muller's goal means no other player in Champions League history has scored more against Barcelona.
Leroy Sane then doubled his side's lead with an absolute rocket that proved too hot for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to handle.
A thunderous Leroy Sané strike doubles Bayern's lead! ☄️
- Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 8, 2021
Barcelona need a miracle here... #UCL pic.twitter.com/brn1cu3XSQ
Jamal Musiala added a third in the second half thanks to a lovely assist from full-back Alphonso Davies.
It means Barcelona will now be playing Europa League football for the first time since 2004, when it was known as the UEFA Cup.
2021 has been a horrific year on and off the pitch, with a number of debts piling up behind the scenes and Lionel Messi departing for Paris Saint-Germain.
Fans have reacted to the news and they think it's the ultimate humiliation for one of football's greatest institutions.
Messi will win his eighth Golden Ball just for carrying Barcelona all these years.
- Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) December 8, 2021
I've never ever thought Barcelona would ever play in the Europa league. This is sad Merhn. :broken_heart:
- Headking:tongue::sweat_drops::crown:' Kings' Coach (@TheHeadking__) December 8, 2021
Barcelona look mentally broken. Its sad really.
- King Manu (@NeuerWorld) December 8, 2021
Barcelona's first season without Messi are going to play Europa League footy and are outside the top 4.
- (@Ani7ii) December 8, 2021
Barcelona are really gonna be in Europa? That is NUTS
- Tamì (@tah_mi_) December 8, 2021
Barcelona are currently seventh in La Liga and six points off the top four.
They return to action on Sunday against Osasuna.
Featured Image Credit: TheEuropeanLad
Topics: Europa League, Barcelona, Champions League, Bayern Munich