Barça eliminated from the Champions League after its heavy defeat against Bayern Munich, Benfica qualified – L’Équipe.fr

FC Barcelona could not do anything

Barça wanted “Write history” against Bayern Munich. In any case, that was what Xavi had announced at the pre-match press conference. To secure its place in the round of 16, his team had to beat Bayern Munich (already guaranteed to finish first) or count on a misstep by Benfica against Dynamo Kiev. But the miracle did not take place. Even against a less diligent German team (especially defensively), the Blaugranas could not do anything. Without really forcing, Thomas Müller’s teammates opened the scoring at the half-hour mark. The German international, in fact, headed a center from Lewandowski (34th). His 8th goal in 7 matches against Barça.

Less than ten minutes later, Leroy Sané broke a heavy strike outside the area (42nd) where Ter Stegen could have done better. Under the snow (then the rain) of Munich, Barça, powerless and without idea, ended up sinking a little more. Jamal Musiala (18 years old) concluded the offensive festival of his team (62nd). Final score 3-0. FC Barcelona leaves the Champions League in the group stage (the first time since the 2000-2001 season) and will therefore play the Europa League this season because, at the same time, Benfica has not trembled against Dynamo Kiev .

At home and against a team from Dynamo Kiev already eliminated, Benfica had only one mission: to win and hope that Barça does not win too. The Portuguese were not paralyzed by the stake far from it. Despite a small fright at the start of the game, Benfica quietly rolled out his football to score two goals in the first period thanks to Roman Yaremchuk (16th) then Gilberto Moraes (22nd).

The Lisbon players were content to manage the second half without taking any risk and therefore ensuring a very important victory. Because with the defeat of Barça, the men of Jorge Jesus take second place in Group E, synonymous with qualifying for the eighth of the Champions League.