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FC Barcelona analysis: A ‘disappointing’ double in the 2017-18 season

By Roy Emanuel

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 20: FC Barcelona players celebrate with La Liga trophy at the end of the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on May 20, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 20: FC Barcelona players celebrate with La Liga trophy at the end of the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on May 20, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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There is plenty to celebrate for FC Barcelona. However, there is also plenty of regret.

The 2017-18 La Liga season brought plenty of drama, excitement and skill, with FC Barcelona eventually triumphing as champions. They added the Copa del Rey as well, but there was something different about this past campaign’s impressive double. And it is not easy to completely define.

Luis Enrique stepped away as manager, and Ernesto Valverde took on a pressure-packed job at the Camp Nou. Brazilian superstar Neymar departed Catalonia for Paris, and injuries took their toll on the squad. Club legend Andrés Iniesta has played out his final moments, as Barcelona will never look the same in the midfield.

But there were two specific elements that have brought this odd, sinking feeling for Barca fans – an undefeated run and the UEFA Champions League.

https://twitter.com/si_soccer/status/998205417930067970

Their elimination from Europe was a painful pill to swallow, falling on away goals against AS Roma due to a spectacular comeback from the Italians (not unlike their own miraculous tie versus Paris Saint-Germain).

To see their El Clásico rival Real Madrid preparing for the final this coming weekend, the frustration is only magnified.

Related Story: Five things we learned from this month's El Clásico

However, it was a league loss at Levante late in the term that stings the most, and it was the only one of 2017-18 for them.

What could have been

Barcelona were set to complete a historic unbeaten stretch, until a 5-4 defeat at the Estadio Ciutat de València. With Lionel Messi out of the line-up, the Blaugrana dug an early hole that they could not climb out of.

This would have been a tremendous achievement, and truly would have made for a magical ending. A league and cup double should of course be celebrated, and this Barca team was simply mesmerising. But two matches ultimately damaged the viewpoint for many supporters.

Next: Three key match-ups in the 2018 UCL final

Barcelona are again champions of Spain, although this has been a very unique way to capture silverware. On a scale of 1-10, how high or low would you rate this season from La Liga champions FC Barcelona?

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