What can Barcelona learn from their latest Champions League disaster?

A second-leg that promised so much from a Barca point of view ultimately ended in abject disappointment - again.

It’s becoming a recurring theme of late. So near yet so far.

However, one can’t really legislate for the amateur error made by Ronald Araujo which arguably cost the Catalans the game.

Our ‘Uruguayo’ has been excellent for the most part this season, but in that one moment all of his good work was forgotten.

Why did he even need to lay a hand on Bradley Barcola?

He was beaten for pace for a change, so either let Marc-Andre ter Stegen make a save or give up a goal. Surely either scenario is better than giving the ref a decision to make and putting your team at the greatest disadvantage for more than an hour.

Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images

Every culer will have expected what eventually happened in the game as soon as the red card was brandished, and that Ousmane Dembele was on hand to twist the knife again was galling. Only three goals in his PSG career, with two against Barca.

Joao Cancelo was another whose decision making was in question on the night. On the biggest stage he was again found wanting in terms of his defensive attributes.

For the penalty decision, he made a tackle that was totally uneccessary. Dembele was advancing but going nowhere.

For the amount of money he’s going to cost to recruit, Barca’s purpose might be better served by looking elsewhere for the position.

As for Xavi, he once again showed his immaturity in both a tactical and managerial sense.

Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images

We’re used to seeing him at least pick up a yellow card because of his ranting on the sidelines, but the red card against PSG was his third since taking the job - more than the two he received in the 22 years of his playing career at the club.

That speaks of a manager ill-equipped to deal with the pressures of modern day management at the elite level.

It also sets a poor example to players who look to him to be the calming influence and guiding light.

Taking off Lamine Yamal once Ronald Araujo was sent off was clearly not the right decision either.

The youngster had already caused multiple problems for the visiting defence, helping to set up the opener too, and his presence will surely have unsettled PSG at worst during the rest of the match.

For all the noise coming from the club regarding wanting to keep Xavi, they’d be better off shaking hands and sending him on his way with their best wishes at the end of the season.