5 things Barcelona and Luis Enrique got wrong this season

5) Squad depth and rotation in crucial fixtures

Signed for £30m, Andre Gomes is yet to show his true potential at Barcelona

With Real Madrid’s game in hand perennially hanging over the fixture list, Barcelona were always playing catch up after Zinedine Zidane’s side took the lead in the La Liga title race. But with a squad that was always second-best to their arch rival’s squad that was burgeoning with exciting prospects, Barcelona’s second place finish seems just about right.

Without the personnel to compete on all fronts, Enrique took a gamble and prioritised the Champions League, playing a second-string side in a few La Liga games in the second half of the season. The result? Barcelona conceded ground in the title race.

For example, against Deportivo, Roberto and Busquets were played in midfield while Denis Suarez and Gomes played wide in a 3-4-3. Barcelona lost 2-1 and hit their first speed bump in the business end of the title race.

Denis Suarez is also yet to hit his stride at Barcelona

Then, prior to the game against Juventus, Enrique chose to rest certain players for the trip to Malaga – a must-win game. With Rakitic and Gerard Pique already suspended, the team was without any real seniority behind MSN as Iniesta was also rested while Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes stepped in. Mathieu's selection also raised questions as he had been in poor form and the loss only underlined the fact.

That game alone would eventually decide the title race as Barcelona lost the league by three points. Had they beaten Malaga who had lost seven times at La Rosaleda Stadium this season, they would have been tied on points with Real, claiming the title thanks to a superior head-to-head record.

Their resurrection now lies in the hands of new boss Ernesto Valverde.