Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Cristian Tello steered La Liga leaders Barcelona to a 3-1 win at Valladolid yesterday 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.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was under renewed pressure last night after his team lost 3-2 at Malaga, a defeat which left the champions 16 points behind leaders Barcelona.

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