Barcelona vs. Chelsea: Gerard Pique Released from Hospital

While Barcelona's nightmare played out on the pitch Tuesday night, defender Gerard Pique was undergoing medical testing following a collision with goalkeeper Victor Valdes early in the semifinal's second leg.

But according to a report on the club's official website, the 25-year-old was released from the hospital today.

The statement reads:

"

Gerard Pique was discharged from hospital this morning after his condition improved overnight at the Hospital de Barcelona where he had been under observation.

"

The defender will be evaluated again next week as a precaution.

Pique was knocked out of Tuesday's match as he tracked Chelsea forward Didier Drogba back toward his own goal following a long Petr Cech punt.

Valdes rushed out of his goal and leaped to punch the ball clear. As the keeper focused on the ball and Pique focused on Drogba, the two teammates collided, with Pique taking the brunt of the crash directly to his head.

After briefly attempting to continue, Pique was replaced by Dani Alves and sent directly to the hospital for testing.

Barcelona went on to take a 2-0 lead in the match and looked on their way to advancing into the Champions League final.

But a beautifully finished goal just before the half from Chelsea midfielder Ramires pushed the Blues into the lead on the away-goals rule.

Barcelona pressed throughout the second half, but could not get the breakthrough they needed.

Fernando Torres added a late Chelsea goal on the counter once Pep Guardiola's men had abandoned any pretense of defense in their push for goal.

At the final whistle, Chelsea eliminated Barcelona by an aggregate score of 3-2.