The Gunners couldn't muster a shot in the entire game, but if referee Massimo Busacca had not ridiculously sent off Robin van Persie, the story could have been oh so different.
Yes, Barcelona dominated the first half when the game was 11 v 11. But who's to say Sergio Busquets' own goal would not have galvanised Arsenal into action? It's a question which will be long deliberated but we will never have an answer for.
The way Barcelona played, they deserved to win in a different fashion. They deserved to come off the pitch at the end without any lingering thoughts as to what 'might have been' if van Persie had stayed on the pitch.
The mesmeric performance of Lionel Messi again underlined he is the best player in the world. But no-one is talking about any of that. It is the flash of the referee's red card which will make this game live long in the memory.
A quick glance at the result and people may think Arsenal have 'choked again' or 'lost when it really counts', but again we will have doubts as to what might have happened if it had remained 11 v 11.
The way Barca played in the first half, it is easy to say they would have steamrollered Arsenal even if van Persie wasn't sent off, but even with ten men Arsenal could still have snatched it.
The enigmatic Nicklas Bendtner should have found the net with just three minutes to go, but an inept first touch put an end to that. If Arsenal could create such a clear chance with 10 on the pitch, they could have created more with 11.
But for all the ifs, buts, maybes, could haves, should haves, you can't take anything away from Barcelona.
They will probably go on to win the Champions League and are surely the team of their generation. They could only beat what was put against them.
The Xavi-Iniesta midfield duo is incomparable to any other in the world, while stars like Pedro, Villa and Messi are there to finish off the chances they create.
The aformentioned five are all Spanish (or in Messi's case, an honourary Spaniard). It is no coincidence.
Arsenal's best player on the night, Jack Wilshere, is English. He was the only Englishman in Arsenal's 18-man squad.
They need a core of English players, players who really know what it means to play for Arsenal. Yes, they put up a better fight this time and but for a refereeing decision may have gone though, but they still came up short in the end.
The great Arsenal teams of the 90s and early 00s were littered with names like Adams, Keown, Wright, Campbell, Dixon, Parlour, Seaman. No trophy since 2005, they need more English players.
Scott Parker is one player who may fit the bill. He has a typical English, 'up and at 'em' approach, and could be the steel Arsenal need in midfield.
As for captain Cesc Fabregas, the time may be right to let him go. He was overshadowed by Jack Wilshere in both legs against Barcelona, and with his injury problems seemingly unlikely to go away in the near future, it may be the time for Arsenal to cash in on their prized asset.
He only turns 24 in May, but Wenger is a master at selling players at the right time (think of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira). Fabregas remains a world-class player but his injury prone nature reduces his impact over a season enormously.
So where do Arsenal go from here? They have to make sure the disappointment of this defeat doesn't spill over to their league campaign. They are well set for a serious title challenge, three points behind Man Utd with a game in hand.
This defeat needs to be put to bed now as a league title, or even an FA Cup, would more than make up for their Nou Camp defeat.
Shouldn't have been sent off, but not a shot on target! Doubt red card made much difference.
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