FC Barcelona vs. Benfica, 2-0
Today's Champions' League match against Benfica kept me smiling... right up until Carles Puyol fell badly during a corner kick and had to be carried off the field. It seems that it's a dislocated elbow and not something more serious, but it was horrible to see our brave Capi on the ground yet again, his face twisted in pain. He had JUST come back from injury, recovering more quickly than expected and adding much-needed solidity to our defense. Now he'll probably be out for another month and will certainly miss the Clasico this Sunday. And then, just to add insult to injury, Sergio Busquets was handed a red card for no good reason just before the end of regular time, so he will miss the next two CL games. Now Alex Song will have to play in his position, leaving Tito Vilanova very few options for central defense.
It's a huge shame, not least because the rest of the match went so well. Even though the Benfica players fouled ours over and over, focusing as always on neutralizing Lionel Messi, Barcelona were unstoppable. Victor Valdes was a machine in front of goal, Alexis Sanchez created plenty of danger and smoothly tapped in a lovely assist from Leo, and Cesc Fabregas continued his recent run of good form with the second goal of the game, also assisted by Leo. Andres Iniesta got to play a few minutes, easing back in after his latest injury; the crowd chanted his name, and his skill on the ball was beautiful to see. Leo didn't score and gave the ball away several times, but he had some great dribbling runs and exchanges and the two assists, and in general appeared to be everywhere at once.
Our boys have won every match since the unfortunate Supercopa against Real Madrid. Will they be able to continue this victorious streak when they face them again on Sunday? Or will the continued loss of key players to injury be too much to overcome?
ETA: Puyol made it back to Barcelona with the team and tweeted this photo of himself in the hospital:
