Benfica 0 Barcelona 2:An injury to centre back Carles Puyol marred Barcelona's comfortable 2-0 victory over Benfica at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon last night.

Puyol suffered what appeared to be a serious injury to his left arm during the Group G match.

The inspirational Spain international, who was playing his first match since recovering from a knee problem, landed awkwardly after leaping for the ball at a corner.

He was stretchered off in obvious pain in the 78th minute and replaced by Alex Song as his shocked team-mates looked on.

Earlier, a smart close-range finish from Chilean international Alexis Sanchez following good work by Lionel Messi gave Barca a sixth-minute lead. Both Sanchez and Messi came close to adding a second goal as Barcelona continued to dominate possession before the interval.

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas wrapped up the victory for last year’s semi-finalists by firing home the visitors’ second goal after 56 minutes following more good work by Messi.

However, the visitors finished with 10 men as Sergio Busquets was sent off a minute from time.