Barca boosted as Vilanova discharged from hospital

24 December,2012 10:43 AM IST |   |  AFP

Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Cristian Tello steered La Liga leaders Barcelona to a 3-1 win at Valladolid on Saturday giving stricken coach Tito Vilanova a timely boost in his battle against cancer


Vilanova left hospital earlier in the day, 48 hours after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour in his saliva gland.

Jordi Roura took charge of Barca in the absence of the 44-year-old Vilanova, who will be out of the game for a number of months to undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The win allowed Barcelona to finish 2012 with a nine-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid with 16 wins in 17 games, the 2-2 home draw with Real Madrid being the only game in which Barca have dropped points. "The result could not be more satisfying. We have ended the year very well and if we add to this the good news about Tito, we can be very happy," said Roura.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Lionel Messi Xavi Hernandez La Liga