Call it the Lisbon Debacle or the total annihilation of Barcelona or better still the greatest shock night in uefa champions league.
When the draw was made and the path showed Barcelona potential clash with Bayern. All great football fans believed after so many months without any blockbuster game this was going to serve as a platform for competition between these European giants.
However on the night Bayern had other ideas and they once again showed dominance in the European game.
Records were broken and dreams were shattered.
Who believed Bayern could put 8 goals pass Barcelona. However as is often said ,football is played on a pitch and not on paper.
*Bayern Munich win a fluke?*
Calling the win a fluke is a fallacy as the dominance of Bayern on European nights has never been in doubt.
In 2013 they did a similar damage to Barcelona enroute to winning the title.
The Resurgence of Levandowski has been instrumental to their rise however Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies have been the revelation this season. The recruitment has been spot on at Bayern Munich.
Tactically Hans Flick showed he is a true tactician with an apt squad selection and formation.Bayern can not stop here but need to go beyond and ensure European success this season.
Barcelona at the mercy of Messi.
Ever since the exodus of names like Puyol,Xavi,Neymar and Iniesta.Barcelona have failed to replace them and the transfer policy has been nothing short of a disaster.
No new talents from academy and failure of new personnel to perform to their utmost potential.
Barcelona has therefore been left at mercy of Messi all these years.However the warning signs has been there.Even the bible says do not rely on human because you can be disappointed. Messi failed to rescue Barcelona and that was the result.
Barcelona needs a new direction in their recruitment and technical direction and it needs to be done right and quickly else they risk joining AC Milan and Manchester United in oblivion.
Many Pundits have also expressed their fear on the fact that Barcelona may struggle in the European game for some years to come.However I believe with proper administrative measures Barcelona can bounce back.
Exit doors must be shown to some aged ones while confidence must be instilled in the younger ones with hope of rebuilding the squad.
Barcelona may have failed this season but all hope is not lost.
Bayern Munich keeps dominating but Barcelona will rise again if all protocols are observed.
By:Abel Obeng Amanfo Ofori | Sports Pundit