The most remarkable thing about Barcelona's 3-0 defeat by Bayern Munich - yesterday - was that it was unavoidable, in addition to the ease with which the players and coach Ronald Koeman accepted the sharp collapse of the European giant into a normal lower-ranked team that is not a candidate for tournaments.

Less than a year ago, Barcelona played 38 matches at home unbeaten in the Champions League, under the leadership of its former star Lionel Messi.

But the signs of decline began even in the presence of Messi when Barcelona lost in the last two big matches in the European Champions at Camp Nou by losing 0-3 from Juventus and 1-4 from Paris Saint-Germain, to whom Messi moved in a historic deal, and who was lucky to be absent from a disaster on Tuesday. Against Bayern, and perhaps his presence would have changed nothing of the team's complete collapse, which was demonstrated by Bayern's third goal with Lewandowski's foot.

⚽️🥅 Lewandowski takes advantage of Barcelona's defensive dispersion and boosts Bavarian progress #European_Champions League |

#Barcelona_Munich #UCL |

#beINUCL pic.twitter.com/oVEH6CM8nf

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 14, 2021

The result may not have been as severe as the 2-8 loss to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the 2019-20 European Champions League, but yesterday's performance - at the beginning of the post-Messi era - was even more frustrating, as Koeman's team finished the match without a shot on goal.

🎙️ Highlights of what @trikaofficial said about Barcelona's loss

📌 Where are the rules of La Masia?!


📌 Zero shots for Barcelona on goal


📌 The result was realistic.. Barcelona lost its personality and philosophy


📌 Barcelona after losing the eight.. lost its prestige #European_Champions League |

#Barcelona_Munich #UCL |

#beINUCL pic.twitter.com/Alf5t9c0Pm

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 14, 2021

Some fans booed amid a pervasive sense of indifference, while some applauded infrequently when the team grabbed the ball for a while.

The players' reaction was remarkable.

From top to bottom

Veteran defender Gerard Pique commented on the 2-8 defeat, saying that the club had fallen from top to bottom, but seemed receptive to the new reality after another humiliating defeat at home on Tuesday when he said, "This is what happened and this is our situation."

Koeman agreed with Pique and said the options were few;

So he had to implement a 3-5-2 plan due to the injury crisis and left-back Jordi Alba was forced to play even though he was ill the night before.

The squad included only two strikers, so the Dutch coach decided to rely on Sergi Roberto as a wing and right back.

Barcelona finished the match with 4 young players on the field, and it was a single point of light in the dark tunnel, while Koeman insisted that the team will improve in the next few years when players such as Gabi and Alex Balde have experience.

The coach also believes that the team's chances will improve after the players recover from injuries, but it is not possible to guarantee much from Ousmane Dembele, who has been plagued by injuries during his career, while Ansu Fati will return after undergoing two knee surgeries.

Newcomer Sergio Aguero has also become a victim of injuries recently, and at the age of 33 it is difficult to adapt to the physical differences that were evident against Bayern, who excelled in speed and strength.

Muller practices his favorite hobby and confirms Bayern's advantage 💪 # Champions League # Barcelona_ Munich # UCL # beINUCL # BarcaBayern pic.twitter.com/ymYA1upaLW

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 14, 2021

Qualification chances are listed

Fortunately for Barcelona, ​​Group E includes two teams weaker than it even at its worst, Dynamo Kiev and Benfica, which means that it can qualify for the final price round as runners-up for Bayern Munich, who seems to be competing for the European title this season.

But reaching the knockout stages could bring with it another humiliating night if he faces an elite opponent.

Pique admitted that the team is no longer one of the favorites to win the title, which it has won 3 times in the last decade, and the reaction of the local media reflects the correctness of his assessment.

The Spanish newspaper "Marca" mentioned on its cover "Poor Barcelona", while the Catalan newspaper "SPORT" published a picture of Barcelona players with sad features at Camp Nou, and said in its title "Bitter Reality", in reference to the team's passing through disastrous years that may In it he receives many humiliating defeats that do not fit his name and great history.