Razeen Gutta
Barcelona went crashing out of the UEFA Champions League group stages for the first time in over two decades while Lionel Messi’s PSG progressed to the last 16.
While Barcelona suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich and Benfica put away last placed Dynamo Kiev 2-0, it means that Barcelona will go to the UEFA Europa League. It is the first time in 18 years that The Catalans will compete in the Thursday night football league.
Goals from Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané set Bayern Munich up nicely before halftime before an Alfonso Davies ball put German star Jamal Musiala in prime position to settle it. The visitors had only two attempts on target in the entire game.
Barcelona have been without Ballon d’Or winner and all-time great Lionel Messi this season. The Argentine has struggled somewhat to find his feet at new club PSG, however a brace for the team on Tuesday night and some important European goals along the way, settled their qualification from a tough group.
The French side beat Club Brugge 4-1, seeing them claim second spot in Group A, one point behind leaders Manchester City.
➤ In the other games of the week, Atletico Madrid pulled a rabbit out of the hat to qualify from fourth position. Diego Simeone’s side had to win and rely on Liverpool to get a result at Milan. Goals from Griezmann, Correa and de Paul got the Spanish side their win by three goals to one in a lively affair in Porto.
➤ Liverpool came out on top thanks to a Divock Origi winner at the San Siro. A 2-1 victory saw The Reds become the first English side in history to win all six of their group stage matches.
➤ Defeat for Manchester City to Leipzig and draws for Chelsea and Manchester United with Zenit and Young Boys respectively had no impact on the English sides qualification. Both Manchester clubs topped their groups while The Blues finished second to Juventus in Group H.
Image source: @Goal