In a game that Barcelona didn’t need to win, for long periods they looked just like a team that didn’t want to win.
Unbelievably flat throughout, they were outfought and out-thought far too often all over the pitch. Even whilst doffing one’s cap to Shakhtar who did themselves proud, it’s right to condemn the Blaugranes for a scandalous performance.
The entire playing staff need to take a long, hard look at themselves if they think they were Barca class in Hamburg, however, Xavi will absolutely need to carry the can on this one.
Just because it appeared to be the perfect opportunity to rotate, it doesn’t mean to say that he had to.