Barcelona coach Luis Enrique admitted his side’s first win in Champions League Group E came at a price with Andres Iniesta set to join Lionel Messi on the sidelines.
Iniesta went off with a hamstring injury before late goals from Sergi Roberto and Luis Suarez denied opponents Bayer Leverkusen a famous victory at the Camp Nou.
The German club led through a 22nd-minute strike from Kyriakos Papadopoulos and had chances to extend their lead before Luis Enrique’s men turned the tie around in a 92-second spell.
Luis Enrique described the injury to Iniesta, which follows the news that Messi is likely to be sidelined for up to two months with a leg injury, as “terrible news”, adding: “These are thorns in our side we have to shake off.”
A quickly released club statement gave no expected return date, while saying the Spain international midfielder has a “thigh muscle injury in his right leg,” with reports in Spanish media suggesting he could be out for between four and six weeks.
Luis Enrique added: “I dont know the medical statement, but he asked to come off for a reason. He has experience and is an important player. I send him a message of support as he is an important player for the team.
“My players deserve a huge amount of credit for turning around a very difficult situation. It was a tough night — the second game without our best player and our second win.”
Barcelona’s win moves them to the top of the pool with four points from their opening two matches after an opening draw at Roma, but the top three sides are separated by a single point.
The Barcelona boss added: “It is always tough to overcome the kind of pressure Bayer put on us tonight.
“I said when we were drawn in Group E that it was a tough group. I’m really happy for the win. It’s time to celebrate with my family, and on to the next one.”
Credit: Wires
