CESC FABREGAS sealed Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Benfica — but it was marred by Carles Puyol’s horror injury.
By DAVE WARD
Defender Puyol had to be carried off after suffering a dislocated elbow.
The captain went up for a challenge and landed on his left arm, which twisted horribly under his body.
Barca coach Tito Vilanova, whose side face Real Madrid on Sunday, said: “We are waiting for more information but he will miss El Clasico.”
Fabregas’ goal made sure Barcelona went top of Group G.
Argentine wizard Lionel Messi bewitched the Benfica defence with a jinking run before sliding a pass through to Fabregas after 55 minutes.
And the Spain midfield ace made no mistake by guiding the ball home.
Barca had taken the lead after just six minutes and again it was Messi who played a huge part.
The little magician drilled a low ball from the left and Alexis Sanchez netted.
Barca’s Sergio Busquets was sent off late on after a clash with Maxi Pereira.
Other NEWS:
BAYERN MUNICH were stunned by FC BATE, losing 3-1 in Belarus.
Aleksandr Pavlov put the hosts in front and Vitali Rodionov got No 2.
Franck Ribery pulled one back but Renan Bressan scrambled a third.
Jonas scored both goals as VALENCIA won 2-0 against LILLE in the other Group F clash.
Leonardo Bonucci’s thunderbolt earnt JUVENTUS a share of the spoils in Group E.
It looked as though Juve were heading for defeat in the first Champions League fixture at their new stadium when Alex Teixeira put Shakhtar ahead on 22 minutes.
But defender Bonucci salvaged a draw two minutes later, lashing in Andrea Pirlo’s corner.
