A 1-0 win at Old Trafford was an ideal result for Barcelona, but Lionel Messi was hit in the face by Chris Smalling in the first half and, as well as some bleeding, he has suffered a bruise that could give the Catalans cause for concern.
Ernesto Valverde admitted that he is yet to discover the full extent of the the issue, but that this would be learned on Thursday.
"Messi wasn't so comfortable after the blow," Valverde revealed after the match.
"We have to examine him tomorrow to see how he is.
"He was strong, but he has quite a significant bruise."
Before Wednesday, Barcelona had never won at Old Trafford and Valverde reflected on this.
"When you see the atmosphere here and the team they have and it being the Champions League, it's hard to win here," he said.
"It was a difficult game and complicated at times, but we had the clearest chances."
Luis Suarez thought he had ended his long drought away from home in Europe, but a slight touch off Luke Shaw saw the goal attributed to the defender.
"They'll keep asking me about Suarez then," Valverde bemoaned.
"The value of what he does doesn't depend on whether or not he scores, but what he generates."
alien10
170
Every one targeting him just becoz he is the best In the world. They know they can't win fair so this is the only choice. Until we meet again gudnit smalling. Barca should complain this to uefa.
Aaxelll
142
it's heartbreaking how Manchester fans find this pleasing and laugh about it, you don't hit the ball and someone's face like that, that was the only plan ole had when he saw the game against athletic Madrid, you can see he was in discomfort but only the love of game, his brain wouldn't function properly but I promise you Manchester United you will pay for this....
Nas070
81
Barcelona knew what they were doing. Valverde is a very smart coach. Came to this game knowing it wont be easy but mission accomplished. Barça were looking for the important away goal to head home with a lead. They started the game with force and energy to get that goal. After that goal, Barça werent looking to take risks. Instead, they sat back, maintained possession, didnt push forward and at the end, got what they wanted. Barça players didnt want to waste useless energy and suspensions after the goal not like last year versus Roma. Valverde knew what he was doing and so did the barca players. Just like the Lyon game, At the Camp Nou it will be a different story. It's all about mental tactics. Great job valverde et barca
United Kingdom4594258
71
Hello friends, fans, lovers of football all over the world, coaches, players, referee s, UEFA and all other bodies related to football family in the world. It was heart breaking and very bad on how the Manchester United fans all over the world and other fans that are jealous of Messi and Barcelona have been addressing this ugly incident in the pitch yesterday at against Messi and Barcelona. Let me address this, football ball is not suppose to be for players to fight in the pitch rather to enjoy the game and who ever won should be congratulated. One example, am a fan of Barcelona but I love Ronaldo and other players like Hazard, even Modric and so many other players in other clubs. Tell me why people should commend Smalling on how aggressive he was to Messi, which means a lot of people are leaving in their shadows. Look at what Delph the Manchester City player did to Harry Keane after some months of the pitch and now he is out again for the season. Salah stepped on top of Porto's Player and yet they get away with it. Eufa and Fifa you guys are not improving. There should be introduction of a black CARD for 10 match ban or even half a season. Please football bodies protect our players because this can kill the game of football. For those fans that are having fun due to Messi's situation, your night mare will come at fullness at Camp nou in a week time.