Barcelona looks set to close the season without a trophy after being eliminated from the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.

The loss was unexpected, as Xavi Hernandez’s team came into play after an unbeaten streak of 15 games, but the most surprising aspect was the way they lost.

Going back to the start of the season, it was clear that Barcelona was in an extremely difficult season.

The Blaugrana had lost Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, while their finances to strengthen the squad were extremely limited.

Also, the relationship between Joan Laporta and Ronald Koeman was at its lowest point, as the president of Barcelona had failed to replace him over the summer.

With a growing list of injuries, Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage.

Xavi’s arrival signaled a turning point in the season and he was allowed to bring in four new players to strengthen the squad.

However, he was also unsuccessful in cup competitions, as Barcelona lost to Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup, before being defeated by Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona are also 12 points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, with one game less developed, but the chances of Barcelona winning the title this season are minimal.