This time it is different for Barcelona. The Europa League is going to be very important for them because of their financial condition. They have made many signings and there is even a situation for them like they might not be able to sign new players in January.
Considering this fact, they need to make as much money as possible this season. Maybe they didn't play much good in the Champions League. But I still think that they will fight for the Europa League title. Their priority is of course the La Liga title but I don't expect Xavi to focus on only that. Winning both championships would be awesome for them.
If the management of Barcelona were adequate, then they would not have made all these high-profile transfers in the summer. But they did, and little has changed. What can change if they somehow find the money for the winter transfer campaign? Even winning La Liga and the Europa League won't make them run a budget surplus, and they're heavily indebted.