Barcelona to Play in Europa League for 1st Time in 17 Years After Relegation from UCL

• Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League after they finished third in Group E with seven points
• The Spanish side were in desperate need of a victory against Bayern in their last group match to progress to the next round
• However, they went on to suffer a 1-0 loss at Allianz Arena, with Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, and Musiala all scoring for the Bundesliga giants

La Liga giants, Barcelona, have been relegated to the Europa League following their elimination from the Champions League.

Barca dropped to the second-tier European competition after they suffered a 3-0 humiliating defeat in the hands of Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena in their final Group E match on Wednesday, December 8.

The Catalan side were in need of at least a win to secure their place in the last 16 of the competition following a disappointing campaign in the group stages.

The Xavi-tutored side had managed just two wins from their previous five rounds of group matches and anything short of victory meant they were out of the UCL.

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Despite already qualifying for the next round, Bayern showed no mercy against their opponents as they staged a dominant performance to end their group stages campaign on a high.

Thomas Muller bagged the opener for the German side in the 34th minute, before Leroy Sane doubled the advantage two minutes before the break.

Jamal Musiala put the game to bed in the 62nd minute as Barca crashed out of the competition.

Benfica, meanwhile, progressed at the expense of Barcelona after finishing as Group E runners-up with eight points.

The Portuguese outfit saw off Dynamo Kyiv in their final match of the group stages to ensure qualification to the next knockout phase.

Rio makes UCL prediction

Earlier, Legit.ng reported Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has made his prediction on who could win this season's Champions League.

A number of European giants have booked their places in the Round of 16 of the competition, with Barcelona the biggest side facing a tough test to qualify.

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Barca are in danger of exiting the tournament in the group stages should they fail to win their last group fixture against Bayern Munich.

Be that as it may, a number of top clubs have already booked their place in the last 16, with Liverpool, Man City, United, and Chelsea among those who have said through.

Ferdinand has now named his three favourites from whom he contends a champion could emerge from.

While making his assessment, the former England international singled out defending champions Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man City as the three favourites who have a chance to lift the prestigious title.