download All Football App

Champions League: Spanish press rip into Barcelona for their 'historic DISASTER'

  /  autty

Barcelona's first elimination from the Champions League group stages in 21 years has been likened to being in 'hell' as Spanish papers condemned Xavi's ailing side.

The Catalans were mauled by a superior Bayern Munich team in Germany in what was a must-win match for Barcelona in their bid to reach the last-16.

Bayern dominated and cantered to a 3-0 win, 'sinking' Barcelona in the process, as Marca put on their front cover, which accompanied a photo of an exasperated Gerard Pique.

Sport simply described it as a 'sad goodbye to the Champions League' while Mundo Deportivo said Xavi's side have been left 'Below Zero' after their demotion to the Europa League thanks to a 'superior rival' in the form of Bayern.

Barcelona knew that Benfica were likely to beat Dynamo Kiev in Lisbon and so only a win away in Munich would send them through to the last-16.

What followed was, according to Diario AS, an 'historic disaster' for the cash-strapped LaLiga side.

'In Hell,' read their headline before adding, 'Barca's historic disaster, who have failed in the group stage of the Champions League 21 years later and are condemned to the Europa League.'

L'Esportiu simply described Barcelona's display as 'abysmal' below the headline of 'It is what it is', a damning indictment at how far this side had slipped since Lionel Messi's departure.

'They've dominated us, we always want to dominate and subdue our rival but it's been the other way around,' a fuming Xavi said.

''We have to demand more of ourselves. We're Barcelona. This has to be a turning point to change the dynamic and many things. We haven't competed. This is the Champions League.

'But this is our reality. It's the situation we face, and we have to face the situation with dignity. Today begins a new era and a new stage. I'm p****d off. This is our reality and it p****s me off. But we have to face it. There's no other way.

'Today a new stage begins and we start from scratch. Our goal is the Champions League, not the Europa League.

'We have to work hard. I don't like the word failure, because we have tried. I love this club and I will give my life to make it work.'

Related: Barcelona