Pat Nevin admits it feels like Chelsea FC have crashed out of the Champions League twice this season.
The Blues suffered a 4-1 loss to La Liga giants FC Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 last month following a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi scored three times over the two legs to end his hoodoo against the west London side to send Antonio Conte’s men packing.
The Blues had lost four of their last six Premier League games to tumble down the top-flight standings despite winning the title with two games to spare last term.
Chelsea FC had the chance to move to within two points of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Alvaro Morata broke the deadlock before Christian Eriksen equalised on the stroke of half-time with a stunning goal.
Under-fire England international Dele Alli scored twice in the second half to wrap up a 3-1 win over Chelsea FC.
Former Chelsea FC winger Nevin believes the defending champions won’t qualify for the Champions League next term.
“There is no point trying to put a positive gloss on the weekend’s result against Spurs,” Nevin told Chelsea FC’s website.
“Yes, Chelsea were the better side in the first half, and probably ought to have gone into the break one or even two nil up, instead of the deflating 1-1 after Eriksen’s screamer, but it matters little now.
“It is particularly painful because it feels as if we have gone out of the Champions League twice in a couple of weeks. First against Barcelona for this season, and now next year is a long shot after Sunday.”
Chelsea FC have won the Premier League title in two of the past three seasons.
The Blues will take on Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley later this month.