Champions League Former teammate sent off in the 53rd minute at the Camp Nou

Opinion: Bravo hands victory to brittle Barcelona

English press slaughter Bravo for Barcelona dismissal

In the immediate aftermath of his side's 4-0 victory over Manchester City, an otherwise delighted Sergio Busquets admitted his sympathy for Claudio Bravo after the Chilean's sending off for deliberate handball.

On his return to the Camp Nou, former Barcelona star Bravo was dismissed in the 53rd minute for blocking Luis Suarez's shot outside the box, but although the Blaugrana went on to record a comfortable win, Busquets suggested that he was sorry it had been the 33-year-old who had cost the visitors.

"You never wish a mistake on a former teammate," the midfielder said to the press. "He used to play here, brought lots to the team, and I'm very sorry; but this is football and everyone looks after their own interests."

In one regard, it was also a night to forget for Busquets too, as the Spain international battled through a bout of sickness to play against Pep Guardiola's side.

Doubts have since emerged over his readiness for Saturday's trip to face Valencia at the Estadio Mestalla, however, the 28-year-old suggested that he was already starting to recover.

"I'm fine, starting the match cost me," he added. "I was bad, with a fever. I wanted to play and was no better on the pitch. Whatever the coach decides is fine."

"If [the Valencia match] arrives soon, it is what it is. We will try to recover."