Sunday, 23 September 2012 16:17

BARCELONA: Manager Tito Vilanova insists too much has been made of a heated on-pitch argument involving David Villa and Lionel Messi, an instance that occured during Barcelona's hard-fought 2-0 win over Granada at Nou Camp this morning.

Barca side were frustrated for large periods of the game and that appeared to boil over when Villa engaged in a heated debate with his teammate after Messi failed to pass him the ball.

"There is nothing to gather from what happened between Villa and Messi," said Vilanova.

"Whoever plays football knows discussions are a normality, and part of the game.

"Such occurrences are common signs that a team is alive. Not exchanging views for betterment would honestly suggest worse."

Messi also appeared on Barca TV to refute suggestions of a bust-up.

"Do not look for problems where there are none. Villa and I get along very well, it was just normal banter during games," said the Argentine.

Barca's fifth league victory in a row, courtesy of a late Xavi strike in the 87th minute and Borja Gomez own-goal in stoppage time, puts the Blaugrana a massive 11 points clear of Real Madrid.

Real will take on Rayo Vallecano away tomorrow (3.30am) and have the chance to put the gap back to eight points.

"What was important was to make it 15 points out of 15," said Vilanova.

"I don't feel pressure, or any obligations. I knew what would be asked of me from the start, and I dared to try my hand.

"The key tonight was scoring the first goal, which helped open up their side. We put in a great performance tonight nevertheless."