Xavi admitted his Barcelona team failed to match the intensity of Athletic Bilbao as they tumbled out of the Copa del Rey at the last-16 stage, another blow in a dismal season.
Barcelona may yet claw their way into the Champions League places in LaLiga, but their trophy pursuit looks doomed to failure. Beaten by Real Madrid last week in the Supercopa semi-finals, a 3-2 defeat after extra time against Athletic on Thursday was another bitter pill for head coach Xavi and his players.
Add in the blow of losing substitute Ansu Fati to what Barcelona described as a femoral biceps injury in his left thigh , and it was a calamitous night at San Mames for the visitors.
Barca are out of the LaLiga title reckoning, and Europa League play-off opponents Napoli will surely fan…