MEXICO (AP) — El ídolo picó al vacío, como lo hizo en incontables ocasiones. Allí estaría la pelota, esperando a ser arrullada en su exquisita zurda para luego anidarse en las redes.
Y así fue. El pase de Gerard Piqué, un Picasso de brocha gorda en el lienzo de este Barcelona, superó la última línea del Benfica y cayó justo allí, donde sólo Lionel Messi podía alcanzarlo.
El astro, el ídolo —bah, el dios— del Barsa y, en realidad, del fútbol, llegó a la pelota, como siempre. La controló después de un medio bote y enfiló hacia el arco, donde el arquero Artur era lo único que se interponía entre Messi y la historia: un gol más para empatar el récord de 85 de Gerd Mueller en un mismo año.
Pero no sería así. Al menos, no esta vez.
Messi tuvo cierta dificultad para controlar el balón, aunque nada del otro mundo. En todo caso, tenía un mano a mano inigualable, a pedir de boca para la que ha sido su definición predilecta en estas situaciones: picarla por encima del arquero y a festejar se ha dicho. Un toque suave y económico, su marca registrada.
Pero el argentino optó por otro lujo. Trató de gambetear al guardameta del Benfica, y Artur no cooperó con la narrativa. El brasileño se lanzó a las piernas de Messi en la primera finta y chocó, fuerte, con la rodilla izquierda de la "Pulga". Muchos habrían caído en la jugada, y sin duda hubiese sido pitado como penal. No Messi. El argentino mantuTrvo el balance, recuperó el control de la pelota, y mandó un suave remate de zurda al arco, que Artur atajó sin problemas.
Seguía el 0-0 que terminaría como marcador final. Pero apenas empezaba la agonía para los hinchas del Barsa y los amantes del buen fútbol.
Tan pronto remató al arco, Messi cayó al césped y se agarró la rodilla, la rodilla izquierda, la rodilla de la zurda maravillosa y mágica. Esa zurda que, apenas con 25 años, sólo se compara con la de Maradona. Sus gestos de dolor evidenciaban que no era cualquier cosa, que no era uno teatro más de un futbolista buscando una ventaja deportiva.
Todos —incluso Mueller, seguramente, de haber estado viendo el partido— contuvieron la respiración. Es el efecto Messi. Cada cosa que hace, o que le hacen, o que no hace, es noticia.
"Pensé que era la última pelota que iba a tocar en mucho tiempo y aun así intenté pegarle un último tiro para meter el gol", explicaría el jueves Messi, ya más tranquilo después de los controles médicos que revelaron que no se trata de algo grave.
El ídolo salió de la cancha en camilla, rodeado por el estupor y el silencio de los miles de fieles que acudieron al Camp Nou a verlo hacer historia. Pero no hubo historia. Al menos, no ese día.
En Argentina, donde Tigre jugaba la final de la Copa Sudamericana contra Sao Paulo, sólo se hablaba de Messi. Los jugadores llegaban al estadio La Bombonera y preguntaban por Messi. En Ucrania, la Juventus venció al Shakhtar para clasificarse a los octavos de final de la Champions y, de paso, eliminó al monarca europeo Chelsea. En Old Trafford, Manchester United perdía 1-0 ante el pequeño Cluj rumano. En Glasgow, Celtic vencía al Spartak de Moscú para avanzar a la próxima ronda.
Todos esos partidos pasaron a un segundo plano, opacados por un golpe en la rodilla izquierda más famosa del planeta que acaparó los titulares y se regó como pólvora en las redes sociales.
"Messi provoca ANGUSTIA", tituló en su portada el diario Récord de México. "Susto de campeonato", tituló Marca de España. "Del récord al susto", escribió en su cuenta de Twitter el diario español El País.
El parte médico dice que se trata sólo de una "contusión". Messi, ya más sereno, afirmó el jueves que "me encuentro bien, por suerte sólo fue un golpe y estoy mucho mejor", aunque reconoció que "pensé en lo peor por el dolor, en estar muchos meses fuera".
Y el técnico Tito Vilanova mandó un mensaje esperanzador: "Tendremos Messi para mucho tiempo", prometió.
Por el bien del fútbol, y por el deleite de los que lo amamos, ojalá que así sea.
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi looks at the cup as he and his teammates parade on a bus through a crowd of supporters celebrating in the streets of Barcelona on May 13, 2013, two days after their team won the Spanish league. The Catalans didn't even need to set foot on the pitch to seal the title on May 11 as Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Espanyol meant Barca had already been crowned champions before their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)
FC Barcelona Celebrate Winning The Spanish Liga With A Victory Parade
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 13: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with team-mates on an open top bus during their victory parade after winning the Spanish Liga title on May 13, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi kicks the ball during the Spanish league football match Atletico de Madrid vs Barcelona on May 12, 2013 at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid. AFP PHOTO/ PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)
The Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi No. 10 by Audermas Piguet, is pictured with the jersey of the national soccer team of Argentina during an auction preview at Sotheby's in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, May 7, 2013. The sale is scheduled on May 11 for the Leo Messi Foundation. (AP Photo/Keystone/Jean-Christophe Bott)
Club Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - La Liga
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 12: Lionel Messi (L) of FC Barcelona gets past Tiago Cardoso Mendez of Club Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Vicente Calderon Stadium on May 12, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, left, escapes PSG's Marco Verratti, from Italy, during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, smiles during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
PSG's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, from Sweden, left, shakes hands with Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, at the end of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina,who started the game on the bench, replaces teammate Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, right, looks at Barcelona's head coach Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova, left, as he replaces Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, right, replaces Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, left, replaces Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Alex Costa (L) during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second-leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 10, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi holds his leg during the Champions League quarter-final football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 2, 2013. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 02: Lionel Messi of Barcelona and David Beckham of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona FCB at Parc des Princes on April 2, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League quarter-final football match between PSG and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 2, 2013. AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi scores the opening goal while Paris Saint Germain's goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu of Italy looks on during their Champions League quarterfinal soccer match in Paris,Tuesday, April 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi scores the opening goal while Paris Saint Germain's goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu of Italy looks on during their Champions League quarterfinal soccer match in Paris,Tuesday, April 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
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Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures during the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Bolivia, at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz, on March 26, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)
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Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match against Bolivia in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
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Argentina's Lionel Messi sits on the pitch during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match against Bolivia in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
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Argentina's Ever Banega, right, celebrates with his teammates Clemente Rodriguez, center, and Lionel Messi, after Ever scored a goal against Bolivia during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
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Argentina's forward Lionel Messi smiles during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on March 19, 2013 ahead of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Venezuela on March 22. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)
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Argentina's Lionel Messi watches teammates during a training session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Argentina will face Venezuela in a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in Buenos Aires on March 22. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)
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Argentina's Lionel Messi leaves the field after a training session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Argentina will face Venezuela in a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in Buenos Aires on March 22. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)
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Argentina's forward Lionel Messi gives the thumb up during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on March 19, 2013 ahead of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Venezuela on March 22. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)
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Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (C) poses for pictures with supporters during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on March 19, 2013 ahead of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Venezuela on March 22. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)
A visitor poses with the wax figure of Lionel Messi at the Madame Tussauds exhibition in Tokyo, Wednesday, March 13, 2013.(AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
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A Japanese woman inspects the wax figure of football star Lionel Messi at a press preview of Madame Tussauds museum in Tokyo on March 13, 2013. Tokyo's Madame Tussauds museum will exhibit some 60 wax figures of Japanese and foreign stars when it re-opens on March 15. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba, right, hugs teammate Lionel Messi, from Argentina, after he scored their second goal during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, March 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi, from Argentina, celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, March 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the Spanish Cup semi-final second-leg football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 26, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the Spanish Cup semi-final second-leg football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 26, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts during a Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts during a Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts after losing the Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts after losing the Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
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Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts during their La Liga soccer match against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
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Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina makes thumbs-up sign during their La Liga soccer match against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
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Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina, left, duels for the ball with Valencia's Victor Ruiz, during their La Liga soccer match at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
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Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina celebrates after scoring against Valencia during their La Liga soccer match at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
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FC Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi poses with the trophy after being awarded the FIFA Men's World Player of the Year during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012 held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan 7, 2013. Messi was named FIFA Men's World Player of the Year for a record-breaking fourth successive year. (AP Photo/Keystone, Walter Bieri)
From left: Portugal's Christiano Ronaldo, Spain's Andres Iniesta and Argentina's Lionel Messi, the nominees for the FIFA Men's World Soccer Player of the Year Award, attend a press conference during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Keystone/Walter Bieri)
Argentina's Lionel Messi arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or soccer Gala 2013 held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Keystone/Walter Bieri)
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FIFA Ballon d'Or award winner Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi holds his trophy during the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 7, 2013. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN (Photo credit should read OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Images)
FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 trophy on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 trophy on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina attends the press conference with nominees for World Player of the Year and World Coach of the Year for Men's Football prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 at Congress House on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina poses during the red carpet arrivals of the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 at Congress House on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez (C) celebrates with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) and Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba after scoring during the Spanish league football match Valladolid vs FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorilla stadium in Valladolid on December 22, 2012. AFP PHOTO / CESAR MANSO (Photo credit should read CESAR MANSO/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Valladolid CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga
VALLADOLID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 22: Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Lionel Messi after scoring against Real Valladolid during the La Liga game between Real Valladolid and FC Barcelona at Jose Zorrilla on December 22, 2012 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images)
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UEFA General secretary Gianni Infantino holds up a team during the draw for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on December 20, 2012 at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon. Ties between Barcelona and AC Milan and Manchester United and Real Madrid topped the bill in the draw. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)
The match fixtures are shown on an electronic panel following the draw of the games for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
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UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, left, and former English soccer player and Champions League final ambassador Steve McManaman, right, during the draw of the games for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
The match fixtures are shown on an electronic panel following the draw of the games for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
An UEFA staff member carries the Champions League trophy after the draw of the games for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
Gianni Infantino, Steve Mc Manaman, Giorgio Marchetti
UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino speaks with former English soccer player and Champions League final ambassador Steve McManaman and UEFA Competitions Director Giorgio Marchetti, from left to right, after the draw of the games for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
Gianni Infantino
UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino walks behind the Champions League trophy after the draw of the games for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
Chelsea's Fernando Torres walks off the field at the end of the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and FC Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. Fernando Torres rediscovered his goal-scoring touch too late for Chelsea's Champions League hopes on Wednesday, with the English side becoming the first holders to exit at the group stage despite a 6-1 thrashing of FC Nordsjaelland. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Thomas Mueller
Munich's Thomas Mueller scores during the soccer Champions League group F match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Bate Borisov in Munich, southern Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Chelsea's Juan Mata, left, vies for the ball with Nordsjaelland's Kamal Issah during the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and FC Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Munich's David Alaba of Austria, not seen, scores during the soccer Champions League group F match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Bate Borisov in Munich, southern Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Celtic's Charlie Mulgrew, right, vies for the ball with Spartak Moscow's Marek Suchy, left, during their Champions League Group G soccer match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Celtic's manager Neil Lennon celebrates his victory over Spartak Moscow at the end of their Champions League Group G soccer match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
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FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina lies on the pitch during a group G Champions League soccer match against Benfica at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Chelsea's interim head coach Rafael Benitez shouts during the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and FC Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
FC Nordsjaelland's head coach Kasper Hjulmand shouts during a Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and FC Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, rear, fights for the ball against CFR Cluj's Rui Pedro during their Champions League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Galatasaray's Aydin Yilmaz celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Sporting Braga during their Champions League Group H soccer match, at the Municipal stadium, in Braga, Portugal, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. Galatasaray won 2-1. (AP Photo/Paulo Duarte)
Chelsea's Juan Mata scores during the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and FC Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Real Madrid's Kaka from Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal against Ajax during a group D Champions League soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
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Real Madrid's Kaka from Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal against Ajax during a group D Champions League soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
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Real Madrid's Nacho, left, duels for the ball with Ajax's Derk Boerrigter from the Netherlands during a group D Champions League soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
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Real Madrid's defender Nacho vies with Ajax Amsterdam's midfielder Siem De Jong during the UEFA Champions League football match Real Madrid FC vs Ajax Amsterdam at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 4, 2012. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, left, scores a goal against Ajax during a group D Champions League soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
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Ajax Amsterdam's coach Frank De Boer looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group D football match Real Madrid vs Ajax Amsterdam at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 4, 2012. AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric (L) vies with Ajax Amsterdam's Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen during the UEFA Champions League football match Real Madrid FC vs Ajax Amsterdam at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 4, 2012. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's midfielder Jose Maria Callejon (R) celebrates with his teammate Portuguese defender Pepe (L) after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group D football match Real Madrid vs Ajax Amsterdam at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 4, 2012. AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Kaka (L) vies with Ajax Amsterdam's Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen (R) during the UEFA Champions League Group D football match Real Madrid vs Ajax Amsterdam at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 4, 2012. AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid CF v Ajax Amsterdam - UEFA Champions League
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 04: Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his sides opening goal with his teammate Karim Benzema during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Real Madrid CF and Ajax Amsterdam at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 4, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa, left, fouls Manchester City's Sergio Aguero earning himself a red card during their Champions League Group D soccer match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City's David Silva, left, fights for the ball against Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao during their Champions League Group D soccer match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after a missed opportunity during his team's Champions League Group D soccer match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, keeps the ball from Manchester City's Aleksander Kolarov, left, and Sergio Aguero during their Champions League Group D soccer match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancini during their Champions League Group D soccer match against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Clint Hughes)
Real Madrid's manager Jose Mourinho during their Champions League Group D soccer match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Clint Hughes)
Manchester City's Aleksander Kolarov, right, is tackled by Real Madrid's Sami Khedira during their Champions League Group D soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Clint Hughes)
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, left, is tackled by Real Madrid's Pepe during their Champions League Group D soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday Nov. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Clint Hughes)
Lionel Messi, José Manuel Jurado
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, battles for the ball with Spartak Moscow's Jose Manuel Jurado during their Group G Champions League soccer match at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)
Lionel Messi, Juan Insaurralde
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, right, battles for the ball with Spartak Moscow's Juan Insaurralde during their Group G Champions League soccer match at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)
Lionel Messi, Andriy Dykan
FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, scores against Spartak Moscow's goalkeeper Andriy Dykan during their Champions League Group G soccer match at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
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Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi reacts while playing against Spartak in Moscow on November 20, 2012, during their UEFA Champions League group G football match. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER NEMENOV (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)
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Barcelona football team's forward Lionel Messi (C) vies with Spartak football team's players in Moscow on November 20, 2012, during their UEFA Champions League group G game AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER NEMENOV (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)
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Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi (top) vies with Spartak's defender Kirill Kombarov in Moscow on November 20, 2012, during their UEFA Champions League group G match. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER NEMENOV (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)
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Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Spartak's midfielder Dmitri Kombarov in Moscow on November 20, 2012, during their UEFA Champions League group G football match. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER NEMENOV (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)
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Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi (C) vies with Spartak's midfielder Kim Källström (L) and Spartak's defender Juan Insaurralde (R) in Moscow on November 20, 2012, during their UEFA Champions League group G match. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER NEMENOV (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, vies for the ball with Celtic's Charlie Mulgrew, right, during their Champions League Group G soccer match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez, right, has a header toward's goal past Celtic's Mikael Lustig, center, during their Champions League Group G soccer match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Celtic's Victor Wanyama, center, celebrates his goal with his teammates during their Champions League Group G soccer match against Barcelona at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, stand's dejected after Celtic's Victor Wanyama, scores a goal during their Champions League Group G soccer match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Celtic's Victor Wanyama, left, scores his goal past Barcelona's Jordi Alba, second left, during their Champions League Group G soccer match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, right, vies for the ball with Celtic's Joe Ledley, left, during their Champions League Group G soccer match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
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AP | Por Ricardo Zuñiga | Publicado: 06/12/2012 10:26 EST Actualizado: 06/12/2012 11:13 EST