Bayern Knocked Barca Out Of UCL

MUNICH, Germany: Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is determined to bring the Spanish giants back to the top of European football after they were knocked out of the Champions League this season when they lost 3-0 at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The five -time European champions failed to advance to the last 16 of the tournament for the first time in 18 years.

Goals by Thomas Mueller and Leroy Sane gave Bayern a 2-0 lead in the first half in a snowy match at the Allianz Arena.

Teenager Jamal Musiala scored Bayern’s third goal after the break to end Barcelona’s hopes.

“I’m angry. I don’t like it and that’s the reality right now. We’re going to start a new era from here – working hard to get back into the Champions League,” Xavi said.

Bayern, who also beat Barca 3-0 at the Camp Nou when the two met in September, have qualified for the knockout stages as Group E champions.

Now they join Liverpool and Ajax with six perfect wins at the group stage.

However this is the first time since the 2003/04 season – when they failed to qualify for the tournament – Barcelona are not in the draw for the last 16 position.

Benfica’s 2-0 home win over Dynamo Kiev meant Barcelona finished third and dropped to the Europa League.