FC Barcelona: Winners and Losers from Barca's 2011-12 Season

In some ways, Saturday's 2-2 draw with Real Betis epitomised Barcelona's entire season—they promised so much only for it to be taken away when you least expected it.

Of course, with the La Liga title already decided, a trip to Seville wasn't perhaps going to produce vintage Barca in Pep Guardiola's last game. However, the significance of blowing another lead coupled with the frustration of injuries and suspensions makes it a season to forget at Camp Nou.

Here are the winners and losers:

Winners:

Pep Guardiola - Ok, maybe people may question this choice because it was without doubt his most unproductive season as head coach, but you cannot underestimate the magnificent job he has done over the last four years. 

Not only has he nurtured young talent and respected experience at the same time, he has created a single-minded winning mentality that is embedded among every person connected with the club.

He leaves with his head held high and should be proud of his achievements.

Carles Puyol - Already a Barcelona legend, Puyol continues to defy his age and produce sterling performances week in week out. 

As attackers continue to be younger, quicker and more skillful, Puyol still marshals a Barca defense that conceded the fewest goals in La Liga this season.

He was again included in UEFA's Team of the Year—all the more impressive after his knee operation.

The club's second-highest appearance-maker of all time also chipped in with four goals and should continue to be a regular fixture in the starting line-up next season.

Xavi - Another of the old guard, Xavi has had one of the most productive seasons ever in a Barca shirt. Despite constant calf problems throughout the campaign, he registered 10 La Liga goals—the first time he has ever reached double figures.

Shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or and included in FIFA's Team of the Year, the 32-year-old has now overtaken Guillermo Amor as the most successful player in the history of the club with 18 total trophies to his name.

Lionel Messi - So he might have missed a penalty against Chelsea and not been at his best in this month's El Clasico, but there is no doubt whatsoever that Lionel Messi is a big winner this season.

To score more than 70 goals in all competitions is simply staggering and he has now overtaken Gerd Muller's record of most European goals in a single season.

Add to that his third consecutive Ballon d'Or, putting himself alongside the likes of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Michel Platini, he really has had another wonderful campaign.

Barcelona's leading goalscorer in their history is breaking records every time he walks onto the pitch and is without doubt the best player in the world.

Tito Vilanova - Served his time honorably as Pep Guardiola's No. 2, and the Spaniard now gets a shot at the big time.

Appointed the next head coach at the club, Villanova can now get to work and will have his sights firmly set on winning back the Champions League and La Liga titles.

Of course, Vilanova also won his biggest battle of all after having a cancerous tumour successfully earlier removed earlier in the season.

The 41-year-old has huge shoes to fill but with the obvious backing and respect of the players, Barcelona are in safe hands for the foreseeable future. 

Losers:

Pep Guardiola - Unfortunately for Pep, he makes both lists. An undoubted genius as a manager, the Spaniard will be the first to admit it was a bitterly disappointing season for his team.

Whether he would have resigned at the end of the campaign regardless is up for debate, but one thing is for sure; Guardiola would have wanted to step down in better circumstances.

He will look back on missed opportunities and perhaps a few mistakes that will undoubtedly make him stronger when he decides to return to football.

The Board - Throughout the campaign, the board's main objective was to extend Guardiola's contract; whether that was another year or a longer deal.

But, ultimately, Guardiola chose his own fate, leading them to appoint Tito Vilanova as the man to take the team forward. 

It remains to be seen whether he will get the financial backing his close friend did, but what is for certain is that the Barca board will be devastated to lose such an inspirational head coach.

Victor Valdes - One of the more successful goalkeepers in franchise history, Valdes has not looked himself this season and made some alarming errors in big games.

His performance in the second El Clasico game at Camp Nou drew widespread criticism from both media and fans.

Seen as one of the irreplaceables during Guardiola's time at the club, Valdes could have a fight on his hands to keep the No. 1 jersey should he start next season the same way he finished this one.

Gerard Pique - Not the best season for the popular centre-back, who is still seen to be a future captain at the club.

Injuries and discipline issues have limited his time on the field, while his relationship with Shakira was seen by many as an unwelcome distraction off the pitch.

Although it would still come as a big shock to some, don't be totally surprised if Pique is one of the big names to be sold by Vilanova to create some much-needed transfer funds.

David Villa - Villa's season was over by Christmas after breaking his leg during the Club World Cup in Japan.

The coveted striker did not return despite suggestions he may make the last six weeks of the season.

Barcelona certainly missed the experienced striker during the run in but it remains to be seen how effective the 30-year-old will be when he returns.

Could well be another big name to depart Camp Nou.