Barcelona have been grouped in the Champions League ‘group of death’ with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, as well as Czech Republic giants Viktoria Plzen all in Group C.

After last season’s group stage elimination, this comes as a massive test to Barcelona.

Reacting to the Champions League draw, Xavi admitted it would be a very difficult group for the Blaugrana.

Xavi told the media: “We have had a very difficult draw in the Champions League, probably the most difficult one in the last 10-12 years.

“We are going to compete very well. The goal is to go through, but the difficulty is very severe.”

The Catalans open the group stage with a home game against Czech side Viktoria Plzen on September 7.