Europa League: Yet another European failure for Barcelona as Eintracht Frankfurt enter semis

Europa League: Barcelona were left reeling against the blistering pace of German side Eintracht Frankfurt in their quarter-final 2nd leg clash on Thursday.

The killer blow was dealt in the 67th minute. Swift movement from right to left of the field, followed by a strike through the legs of Sergino Dest that went low into the bottom corner of Marc Andre ter Stegen's far post. The goal came at a time when Barcelona were challenging a two-goal lead from the first half, and were enjoying lion's share of the possession, establishing their rhythm in the game.

It was a similar story, one that Barcelona fans had seen for many years now. Second leg of a European League knockout, and recent form, courage, dominance, everything would go for a toss - Barcelona were meant to lose.

This time it was not quite at the top level, but against Eintracht Frankfurt, a team placed 9th in the Bundesliga table.

Coming into the game with 1-1 from the first leg, Barcelona had the worst possible start, conceding a penalty in the fourth minute of the game. Eric Garcia saw a yellow for pulling down Frankfurt's Jesper Lindstorm, and was the prime reason behind Barcelona trailing 0-1 at home. As the first half grew, Barcelona found it difficult to control the tempo of the game and were left exposed against the blistering counterattacks of the away team.

Barcelona did find some respite in the pace of Ousmane Dembele and their top buy this season Ferran Torres, but were not clinical enough to draw level. Time and again the game reminded of Barcelona's classic failures at the left flank, which time and again was exposed Jordi Alba's lack of presence or for his overall lack of defending capabilities.

Ansgar Knauff, the 20-year-old German winger tormented Alba throughout the night, beating him on both the sides with his pace and dribbling capabilities.

Alba's game on the night reflected his performance against Liverpool in Blaugrana's infamous 4-0 defeat at the Anfield where he was found wanting despite an incredible personal season.