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Barcelona’s Champions League exit felt like it was coming

By Laieke Abebe

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 10: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, second leg match between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - APRIL 10: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, second leg match between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /
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For the fourth time in five seasons, Barcelona’s Champions League run ends in the quarterfinals, this time after blowing a three goal advantage.

Barcelona was knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after being soundly beaten 3-0 by Roma. The 4-4 score across two legs sees Roma advance thanks to one away goal late in the first leg. The dream of a third treble in 10 years ended in the same place Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble in 2009. Nonetheless, the Blaugrana got what they deserved in the second leg. There are a few reasons why this tough and excruciating loss was coming.

Ernesto Valverde continues to use the same lineup. The regular starters play every three days while getting zero rest. With the majority of the core players either over or nearing 30 years of age, rest is necessary especially when you’re trying to make history. No one, not even the great Messi, could get into the second leg against Roma and it caused the comeback. However, this isn’t the only problem that came up in this game.

Nelson Semedo was the only player signed in the last summer transfer window that played the second leg. Of course, there are many reasons that was the case. Philippe Coutinho was cup-tied as he featured for Liverpool in the Champions League this season. Paulinho had a good start to the season, but has tailed off recently. Ousmane Dembele is still trying to find his image with the Blaugrana.

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Barca lacked the depth to change the match for the better and it stung the team in the biggest moment. The squad outside of the regular starting eleven has to be better for Barca to taste Champions League success again. This doesn’t only mean that more players should be brought in, but it should also mean looking at La Masia and the current squad and give them their chance to prove themselves.

Then, there is the big reason: Messidependencia. Messi dependence is great when the Argentine superstar is in form. However, when he struggles (yes, Messi was human in this game), the team struggles. Messi, like his teammates, didn’t get into the game against Roma and once again the team paid for it. Almost all of the attacking and creativity happens because of the greatness of the best player on the planet. Without number 10 at his best, Barca isn’t Barca. When Valverde did make subs (Alcacer and Dembele), they were were too late and both players didn’t have time to impact the match.

Next: Barca crashes out against Roma

Overall, Barcelona could go on and win the domestic double, which they are in the driver’s seat to do. However, this loss to Roma will hurt for a long time because of many mistakes made by everyone from the board to the players. I guess we know how Paris Saint-Germain felt last season when the Blaugrana made their comeback. We will see how Barca responds to hitting rock bottom once again.