It was a match for the honor... And even that, they lost it.

Despite the constant encouragement of their supporters, who came in large numbers to support them at Camp Nou (84,016 people), the Catalans did not even manage to save appearances against the German ogre, triple gravedigger of Barça in 2020, 2021 and 2022 .

Sadio Mané, recruited to compensate for the departure of Robert Lewandowski to Catalonia, opened the scoring in the 10th minute, served deep by Serge Gnabry, then Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting slipped the ball between the legs of Marc-André ter Stegen for the 2-0 in the 31st, shifted once again by Gnabry.

And in additional time (90th + 5), Benjamin Pavard, forgotten by the defense, sealed the 3-0 from a corner.

Thanks to this success, Bayern secured first place in Group C ahead of Inter, which promised them a more favorable draw for the round of 16.

Barça, he will have to settle for a disastrous 3rd place synonymous with a direct ticket for the Europa League, before a last trip to the field of Viktoria Plzen, for butter, Tuesday (9:00 p.m.).

A first in 34 years

The crestfallen faces of the Blaugrana players, during the warm-up, already spoke volumes about their state of mind before starting this expiatory match.

The Catalans thought they were saving the day just before the break: Lewandowski was hooked in the area by Matthijs de Ligt, the referee whistled for the penalty, then went to consult the video … and ended up retracting.

Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard chasing Barça striker Robert Lewandowski on October 26, 2022 in Barcelona Pau BARRENA AFP

A decision that angered fans.

"UEFA is a mafia", sings the Camp Nou while players and referees return to the locker room.

It was on this sad performance that Camp Nou said goodbye to the Champions League.

And this for at least two years.

Due to the renovation works of Europe's biggest stadium, the Catalans will play their home matches of the 2023-2024 season at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.

The famous anthem of the Champions League will therefore take time to resonate again at Camp Nou.

A distressing lowering of the curtain which deviates from the path marked out the day before by Xavi.

"Whatever happens, we will have to keep this mentality. The feeling of confidence is there. It is good. Even if we do not qualify, we will have to continue", had demanded the Catalan coach Tuesday in a press conference before -match.

The ex-Barça legend is also the first coach in 34 years to send Barça twice in a row to C3.

The last had been Terry Venables in 1986-87 and 1987-88.

Choupo-Moting surprises, Gnabry shines

For Bayern, on the other hand, it's a full evening.

Despite the absence of many executives (Manuel Neuer, Leroy Sané, Lucas Hernandez and Bouna Sarr), Julian Nagelsmann's men have once again sunk Barça, after the slap of the 8-2 in 2020 and the double humiliation 3-0, 3-0 last season.

Nagelsmann's bets are paying off.

Bayern scored a 14th straight goal for the Catalans without conceding a single one.

Choupo-Moting continues to surprise, showing himself to be decisive again on Wednesday, after his double against Augsburg (5-2) in the German Cup and his goal against Hoffenheim on Saturday in the league (2-0).

Bayern midfielder Serge Gnabry (g) battling with Barça defender Alejandro Balde on October 26, 2022 in Barcelona Josep LAGO AFP

And Serge Gnabry signed an almost perfect performance, with two assists and a goal … refused for a millimeter offside after returning from the locker room (55th).

For Barça, the nightmare repeats itself.

The next appointment is already made: on November 7, the Catalans will know their opponents in the Europa League.

The same day, Bayern will know who they will have to eliminate to continue dreaming of the supreme continental crown.

Two clubs, two ambitions, two dimensions.

© 2022 AFP