Barcelona came through their Champions League match against Benfica 2-0, although they finished the match with ten men and saw Puyol stretchered off the field with a serious injury.
Messi and Alexis shone for Barcelona as they overcame a resilient Benfica, with Messi setting up both goals, the first for Alexis Sánchez after just six minutes of play and the second for Fábregas in the second half.
Puyol, in his first match for Barcelona since recovering from injury, was stretched off the field after falling awkwardly on his arm and shoulder while attempting to head the ball and it looks like he will be out of action for a while.
In the final few minutes, Barcelona were reduced to ten men after Busquets ordered from the field for a bad tackle and a bit of needless after-tackle nonsense with Benfica’s Maxi Pereira.
Valencia also had a good night, two goals from Jonas enough to sink Lille OSC. Valencia dominated play but showed signs of vulnerability to quick counter attacks.