Has Barca Dynasty Come to an End?

The past couple of years, Barca's limelight has somehow faded, especially when Pep Guardiola decided to leave them in 2012. Interestingly it was Pep's new team, Bayern Munchen, that overtook their position. The German powerhouse ended Barcelona's UEFA dreams last year and went on to win the trophy. Right now, they continue to wreak havoc in Bundesliga and other competitions.

This year, the dream to conquer the European stage has also ended for coach Gerardo Martino's side. In La Liga, they are also in danger of getting dethroned by Atletico Madrid, with El Clasico rivals Real Madrid also lurking behind them. Many teams don't feel fear anymore upon hearing the name Barcelona.

In that Atletico Madrid defeat, the Catalan club didn't look dangerous at all in the entire 90 minutes. They lacked passion, creativity, and some players are just walking in the field. That loss marked the second time that Barcelona exited Champions League in the most painful fashion. Although many were left amazed by Atleti manager Diego Simeone's brilliance, some can't fathom how Barca gave the match without even giving a good fight.

Have the dreadful years caught up with them or were they just too distracted surrounding the club?

First there is Lionel Messi being bugged by controversies involving their own vice-president, Javier Faus. Late last year, his father was accused of laundering drug money. Faus also made comments about his possible contract renewal with the team.

"I do not know why we have to do it again," the Blaugrana executive said. "We do not have to improve a contract every six months."

Another controversy that marred the team over the past months is the one with Neymar. The Brazilian youngster, who became Barca's record signing last year, has become a political hot potato because of alleged anomalies in his transfer fees.

Next, the problem in the club's youth level. The club was accused of irregularities in the signings of 10 young players over recent seasons and as a result, they were banned from signing players for one year. Although new vice president Manel Arroyo have already insisted that they will continue acquiring players this summer, you can't take away the fact that the Barcelona office is chaotic and is somehow affecting the players on the pitch.

The football season isn't over yet for Barcelona. They can still redeem themselves by bagging the trophy in La Liga, wherein they are just one point behind Atletico Madrid. In Copa del Rey, they are just one step away with Real Madrid standing in their way in the finals. As for the European glory, we all know that it's just a matter of time before they come to the upper echelon. If coach Martino will make good signings, Neymar continues to progress, and the core of the team get to shake off all the controversies, they'll remain a strong force in Europe. As they always say, mountains don't crumble that easy.