Champions League: Real reason Barcelona dropped into Europa League – Xavi

By Adeleye Kunle

Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has listed reasons they dropped out of the Champions League for the second consecutive season.

The LaLiga giants will be playing in the Europa League in the New Year, after finishing third in their group.

Much was expected from Barca, after they splashed out over €150m in the summer transfer window.

Xavi brought in Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha to bolster his squad.

However, they won only one and lost three of their five group matches.

“We lost it [the chance to qualify] ourselves. We had the opportunity, and it has escaped us.

“There are details such as refereeing decisions and adverse situations, but you have to be self critical,” Xavi said ahead of Tuesday’s game against Viktoria Plzen