Has Barcelona Ever Played in The Europa League Before?

FC Barcelona is a football club that has dominated football in the modern era. With moments of magic that have been witnessed by everyone worldwide.The Club has been playing beautiful football from generations. As once the legendary manager, The Special One Jose Mourinho once said during his time at the sidelines of Real Madrid that 

““Although, they are dominating now but there will come a time when this club will be over “

These words are coming into life right now as the club is observing the darkest period in their modern history. As they will be absent from the prestigious Champions League football.

When was the last time Barcelona played in the Europa League?

The last time this extraordinary thing happened was back in the 2000/01 season where they failed to qualify in the knockout stages of The Champions League. They finished in third place to AC Milan and Leeds United in their group. 

The last time Blaugrana failed to qualify even to the group stages of the Champions League was back in 2003 when they finished at sixth place in La liga under Llorenç Serra Ferrer. 

The Current Barcelona Manager and a legendary midfielder, Xavi Hernandez, was a part of the team on both the occasions. So this would be a bitter nostalgia for him. 

What does this mean for FC Barcelona now?

The club has literally hit a rock bottom and in desperate need for a revolution in different departments for strengthening the squad to get back up and compete with the very best in the business.

After the departure of Lionel Messi the club has been affected severely. Although, when he was at the Blaugrana the club have suffered several gut wrenching defeats in the Champions league.

As from the past seven seasons they have been humiliated at the knockout stages of the best tournament in club football. But the way Barca is performing from the past two or three seasons is concerning and raising many questions towards the management of the club.

Also Read :- Fc Barcelona get trolled at twitter for crashing into The Europa League

Did they ever win the Second Tier competition?

The Catalan side have never participated in UEFA’s rebranded competition which was previously known as UEFA cup before 2009 rebranding.

Thé Monday’s draw would be the first time the Blaugrana would feature in the second tier tournament i.e. The Europa League. They have participated in the UEFA Cup on 11 occasions but failing to win the tournament even once.

The Anfield club has been haunting them in that tournament too by defeating them in both 1975/76 and the final 2000/01 season.

Also Read:- Top 5 Players who have played for both Real Madrid and Inter.

 

The Conclusion 

Barcelona football club deserved to be in the top tier tournament of UEFA Champions League because of their legendary status having won the prestigious tournament on 5 occasions in which 4 came in the Lionel Messi era.

However, with this squad it is not possible to even win The Europa League. Barcelona requires a total rebuilding of the squad But with their current financial crisis, it is quite difficult for them to do so.

The Aftermath of Messi’s departure is surely being felt at the Camp Nou and to see a club that has been dominating the competition in the modern era come to an end like this is quite sad for all the fans.

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