Barca had a chance to all but seal a spot in next year's Champions League, but they now face a difficult finale to the season as their form and performances are causing concern.Barcelona suffered yet another upset defeat at the Camp Nou on Sunday night, this time against Rayo Vallecano.
For the first time in club history, the team lost a third consecutive home defeat in the same season, meaning Xavi Hernandez set an unfavorable record. The club's European aspirations were dashed earlier this month when they were defeated at home by Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by a shock home defeat against lowly Cadiz last week in La Liga. The last time the team lost three consecutive home games was at the close of the 1997-98 season and the start of the 1998-99 season, when Dutch manager Louis van Gaal was in charge.While they did win a game against Real Sociedad last week – despite being second best for many stretches of the game, which finished in a one-goal triumph – it continues a worrying pattern for the club, which will end the season without a trophy.The Catalan giants have long since lost the league title, with Real Madrid now needing only one victory from their final five league games to win the title. Barca, on the other hand, may be wary of falling out of the top four and maybe losing a Champions League spot next season, which would be a huge hit to their finances.
Barca is in second place, but tied on points with Sevilla, two points ahead of Atletico Madrid, and six points ahead of Real Betis, who they must face in Seville. While their league position is good, their form is a concern, and with five rounds of action left, they still have work to do to ensure their league position.The setback on Sunday night also continued a worrying pattern for Barcelona, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failed to score. Since making his debut in February, the Gabonese striker has already scored ten goals for Xavi and has proven important in his early days at the club.
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