Inter’s win at dwelling to Viktoria Plzen confirmed Barcelona’s place within the Europa League – here’s a take a look at their path to the spherical of 16.
- Barca out of UCL following Inter win
- They now enter Europa League playoffs
- Ineligible to face different Spanish groups
WHAT HAPPENED? Barcelona discover themselves eradicated from the group levels of the Champions League following Inter’s 4-0 rout of Viktoria Plzen. Barca should now enter a playoff to characteristic within the the Europa League’s spherical of 16, the place the Catalan facet will tackle different third-placed groups from the Champions League, in addition to those who certified second within the Europa League group stage. They won’t be eligible to characteristic in opposition to different Spanish sides on account of UEFA rules.
Present eligible third-placed groups within the Champions League embrace: Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, Pink Bull Salzburg, Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus. Runners-up within the Europa League presently embrace: PSV, Rennes, Ludogrets, Braga, Manchester United, Midtylland, Qarabag and Trabzonspor.
WHY DID IT HAPPEN? Barca crashed out to the Europa League on Wednesday night time with out kicking a ball. They wanted Viktoria Plzen to defeat second-placed Inter at San Siro, earlier than happening to win in opposition to group leaders Bayern Munich at Camp Nou. The Italians have been victorious, nonetheless, confirming Barca’s third-place end and relegating them to the Europa League for the second 12 months working.
STORY IN THREE PHOTOS:
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THE REACTION:
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA? After a dead-rubber fixture in opposition to Viktoria Plzen of their ultimate Champions League group recreation subsequent week, Barca will await their Europa League destiny when the draw is made earlier than the beginning of the World Cup. The play-off itself can be performed on February 16 and February 23.
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