Jordi Roura hails Tito Vilanova progress

Stand-in Barcelona boss Jordi Roura has revealed that Tito Vilanova's release from hospital yesterday helped his side overcome Valladolid last night.

Vilanova was discharged from hospital just two days after undergoing a successful operation on a throat tumour and now faces six weeks of chemotherapy.

The news filtered through to the Barcelona players, who responded by continuing their record-breaking start to the season with a 3-1 win over Valladolid.

"We were all in the dressing room when they told us that Tito was released from hospital, it was good news for everyone," said Roura.

"His progress has been very satisfactory and it lifted our spirits. The only way we could help Tito was by winning.

"This is a complicated situation because of my relationship with Tito Vilanova. It's true that the match was special because of everything we experienced this week. However, on a sporting level, it was just another game."

Barcelona currently sit nine points clear at the top of the league table having dropped just two points from their 17 games so far this season.