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La Liga Wrap: Late goals crucial for Real Sociedad, Valencia
19 April 2014
Carlos Vela's stoppage-time winner helped Real Sociedad to a 2-1 triumph over Espanyol that strengthened their UEFA Europa League push.
The last-gasp win lifted Sociedad to sixth in the Liga table, two points above Villarreal, who visit Malaga on Monday.
Fifth and sixth places earn a spot in Europe's second-tier competition and manager Jagoba Arrasate - who signed a two-year contract extension this week - will be hopeful his side can hang onto the position with less than a month of the season remaining.
They had to do it the hard way in San Sebastian on Saturday, after Jhon Cordoba turned in Diego Colotto's ball in the 23rd minute for Espanyol.
Sociedad's response was swift, although they required a slice of luck, with Manu Lanzarote's own goal nine minutes later coming after a corner.
Espanyol had plenty of chances in the second half to claim their first win in almost a month, but Sociedad held firm.
They then ramped up the pressure before the end, as Mikel Gonzalez, Haris Seferovic and Pablo Hervias all had late opportunities.
But just when it seemed they would have to settle for a point, Vela popped up, scoring with his left foot to end a neat team move and end Sociedad's three-match winless streak.
Valencia also left it late to claim a point in a 1-1 draw at struggling Osasuna.
Oriol Riera put the hosts in the lead in the 19th minute, following in after Roberto Torres' 25-yard effort was spilled by Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
Substitute Jonas levelled for Valencia eight minutes from time, though, with his composed, angled finish extending their unbeaten run to three matches.
Saturday's other Liga fixture saw Getafe claim what could be a valuable point in a 0-0 draw at Levante.
Alexis Ruano was sent off for a second yellow card with nine minutes to play but Getafe held on, despite their numerical disadvantage, to pick up a draw.
They sit 18th and are now in the bottom three on goal difference only, although 17th-placed Real Vallodolid have a game in hand.
La Liga Wrap: Barcelona back in title race, Sevilla three points off fourth
20 April 2014
Barcelona came from behind to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1, while Sevilla stay in the hunt for La Liga's top four after defeating Granada 4-0.
In front of a relatively small crowd estimated to be 42,000, the Camp Nou played host to a lively contest as Aritz Aduriz put the visitors ahead just after the break with his 13th La Liga goal of 2014, a figure bettered only by Lionel Messi.
Athletic looked as though they were going to successfully frustrate their hosts and end their stuttering title challenge for good, but the champions battled back in the final 20 minutes.
Pedro levelled with 18 minutes left and Messi found the crucial goal a few moments later from a free-kick, which opposing goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz should have done better with.
The triumph moves Barcelona back to within four points of leaders Atletico Madrid and ends a run of three consecutive losses in all competitions, while Athletic's cushion in fourth was cut to just three points ahead of Sevilla, who cruised past Granada.
Granada enjoyed a lively opening, but they were their own worst enemies in the 14th minute as Kevin Gameiro's squared pass just inside the area was directed into the goal by defender Diego Mainz.
Tiago Ilori almost scored a second own-goal for Lucas Alcaraz's men in the 51st minute as the on-loan Liverpool youngster passed the ball straight past goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, but Gameiro saved him some embarrassment by poking over the line himself.
After netting his 20th goal of the season in all competitions, Gameiro turned provider again, this time setting up Stephane M'Bia for an easy finish and Vitolo wrapped up the win with 22 minutes to go after pouncing on a mix-up in the Granada defence, setting up nicely Sevilla's showdown with Athletic next weekend.
Real Betis' 3-1 defeat at Rayo Vallecano has left Gabriel Calderon's men looking doomed in their battle to avoid relegation.
Rayo found themselves 2-0 up by the half-hour mark as Ruben Rochina pounced on Paulao's horrendous back-pass, before the Brazilian defender put Arbilla's cross past his own goalkeeper.
Joaquin Larrivey netted for the seventh time in nine league games to make it 3-0 just after the break and although Javi Chica pulled one back 11 minutes from time, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation, leaving Betis 10 points adrift of safety with four games left.
The day's early kick-off saw Celta Vigo effectively secure their top-flight status at the expense of second-from-bottom Almeria, whom they beat 4-2 in Andalusia.
Rodri cancelled out Nolito's 19th-minute opener just before the break, but Celta charged ahead once again in the second period.
Nolito set up Charles for their second, before the former Barcelona and Benfica winger netted his second of the day and Fabian Orellana added a fourth, with Oscar Diaz pulling one back for Almeria late on.
Real Madrid have revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo came through an intense training session on Sunday as he closes in on a return from injury.
The Portugal captain has not featured since Real's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over Borussia Dortmund on April 2 due a knee injury and then a thigh problem.
But the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner appears to be on course to play in Wednesday's semi-final first leg of Europe's premier club competition against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu, while Sergio Ramos - recently troubled by a neck injury - also trained on Sunday.
There was more positive news for Real coach Carlo Ancelotti with the sight of Marcelo training following a lay-off with a hamstring injury.
Real revealed on their official website: "Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos were both in the Cuidad Real Madrid on what was otherwise a day of rest for Carlo Ancelotti's squad ahead of the first leg tie with the German outfit in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
"Also in attendance at the training session were Marcelo and Casemiro. The Portuguese trained intensely on his own, with and without the ball.
"Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos and Casemiro worked on their physical fitness. The defender also did some ball work. Marcelo also trained on the grass, while Pepe and (Alvaro) Arbeloa used the indoor facilities to exercise."
Atletico Madrid have revealed that midfielder Arda Turan is in contention to return from injury against Chelsea on Tuesday.
The Turkey international has been sidelined since the first leg of the Liga leaders' UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg draw with Barcelona at the start of this month.
However, the 27-year-old trained with his team-mates on Sunday and could line up against Jose Mourinho's men at Vicente Calderon on Tuesday in the semi-finals of Europe's premier club competition.
Atleti said on their official website: "The first team trained for an hour and a half at the stadium, preparing for the semi-finals first leg against Chelsea.
"(Coach Diego) Simeone could count on all of the players in the team."
Turan has been a key player for Simeone's side and his return should enhance their chances of securing a famous Champions League and La Liga double.
The winger has called on the Blaugrana faithful to back the midfielder and under-fire goalkeper Jose Pinto, and feels Lionel Messi is forced to carry the weight of expectation
Barcelona attacker Pedro has urged the club's fans to get behind Cesc Fabregas as questions over his future at the club begin to surface.
The 26-year-old was the subject of bids from Manchester United last summer, but Barca promptly rejected the Premier League champions' advances as Gerardo Martino made it clear Fabregas was very much part of his plans at Camp Nou.
However, the midfielder's form has taken an alarming dip of late, leading to speculation that the club would be willing to listen to offers again at the end of the season, while 50 per cent of Blaugrana fans in a poll in Spanish media outlet Marca suggested that they think the former Arsenal man should be sold.
Pedro, however, insists the supporters should get behind his compatriot, as well as under-fire goalkeeper Jose Pinto, who has delivered a string of shaky performances in the absence of the injured Victor Valdes.
"We feel bad because they are team-mates and work every day, but it's the fans who will decide," he told reporters after the 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
"They are important players for us and we encourage them, and we ask the fans to be with them."
Pedro also praised the efforts of Sunday's match-winner Lionel Messi, claiming the Argentine is able to lift the performance of the entire squad despite having to bear the constant weight of expectation.
"He is the best player in the world and we know he carries a weight for the team. When he feels good it shows throughout the side," he added.
Martino: I'll take responsibility if Barcelona finish trophy-less
By Mark Doyle
Apr 20, 2014 11:52:00 PM
The Argentine, who took over as Blaugrana boss last summer, says he will accept the blame if such a successful club "stops winning" on his watch
Tata Martino says that he will take full responsibility if Barcelona finish the season without a trophy.
In the space of one week this month, the Blaugrana have gone from treble-chasers to a club seemingly in crisis, having been dumped out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, fallen off the pace in the Primera Division and lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Madrid.
Consequently, Martino's position is under intense scrutiny and he accepts that he must take the blame if Barca win nothing this term, given last summer he took over a team that had just been crowned champions of Spain.
"I'm very demanding of myself," the Argentine coach told reporters after Sunday night's Liga win over Athletic Bilbao dragged Barca back to within four points of Liga leaders Atletico.
"I came to a team that normally wins and when I came to the team, it has stopped winning. I see this as my responsibility."
However, Martino laughed off reports that he has fallen out with Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez, who has featured only sporadically in recent months.
"He joked in training yesterday saying we had fallen out," he explained. "I didn't know what he was talking about."
Martino also revealed that he was enthused by the way in which Lionel Messi silenced his critics by scoring a game-winning free kick against Athletic.
"It gives me great pleasure to see Messi respond as he does," he enthused. "He does not fight back with his mouth; he does it with his football.
"For every 100 games, he plays well in 99 of them."
The former of midfielder Cesc Fabregas has also been the subject of much debate of late and the midfielder was seemingly booed by some sections of Camp Nou during the 2-1 win over Athletic.
However, Martino was reluctant to confirm if he had heard any whistles, preferring instead to defend the players' character.
"All I can say is that he's a very brave player," he stated. "He never hides and isn't afraid to make mistakes. He always wants to play."
Simeone reiterates Chelsea target Diego Costa could leave
By Alex Young
Apr 21, 2014 8:54:00 PM
The Blues are closing in on a €40 million deal for the striker, with the Atletico Madrid coach admitting the London side have the financial power to force such a move through
Diego Simeone has reiterated that Diego Costa could leave Atletico Madrid, with Chelsea closing in on a deal for the striker.
Goal exclusively revealed on April 17 that the Premier League side were close to agreeing a €40 million deal for the Brazil-born forward following a series of meetings for representatives from both parties.
Simeone conceded last week that his side were powerless to stop Costa being sold to a club of Chelsea's financial might and underlined this belief on Monday.
He told reporters: "I wouldn't be surprised at all if a financially powerful team was able to acquire a great player like Costa. Why? Because Diego is different and he's at his very best."
Atletico welcome Chelsea to the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, and Simeone has talked up Jose Mourinho's attacking talent ahead of the tie.
"In my opinion, Ba, Fernando and Eto'o are great champions," he continued. "[They] have proved hundreds of times, in all the cups they’ve won - Champions Leagues, World Cups and more - that they are huge talents."
Barcelona will look to sign Aymeric Laporte once their transfer ban is over, according to reports.
The Blaugrana are set to serve a two-window ban after breaking FIFA rules over signing under-18 players.
But that hasn’t stopped the Camp Nou outfit targeting the Athletic Bilbao youngster, Mundo Deportivo claim.
The paper leads with the news that the hierarchy at Barca were so impressed by the teenager’s performance in their 2-1 win over Los Leones last Sunday, that they will hope to sign him in 2015.
The Catalan club are in desperate need of a centre-back, with Carles Puyol leaving, Gerard Pique injured and Javier Mascherano being converted from a central midfielder.
They see Laporte as the best option available, but are somewhat put off Athletic’s €36m asking price.
The Catalans' punishment has been suspended until a final decision on their appeal against the ban has been taken
Fifa has announced they have suspended Barcelona's transfer ban following their appeal against the punishment.
The Catalans were banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows for breaching regulations relating to the international transfer of players under 18 years of age, but the suspension has been put on hold until a final decision on their appeal is taken.
"The club Barcelona have lodged an appeal before the Fifa Appeal Committee against the decision of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee that sanctioned the club for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18. Together with the appeal, the club requested that its appeal be granted suspensive effect," an official statement reads.
"In this respect, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee, Larry Mussenden, took into consideration the sanctions imposed against the club, the complexity of the matter, the start date of the next registration period – 1 July 2014 – and the fact that the Fifa Appeal Committee does not seem in a position to take a decision on the main issue early enough so that an eventual appeal of the club against its decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport would still be decided before the beginning of the next registration period.
"Consequently, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect.
"In view of the foregoing, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee assures that proper and adequate appeal proceedings will take place and, at the same time, that all rights of the club will be respected."
World football's governing body's decision to suspend Barcelona's transfer ban means the already confirmed transfer of Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb is back on, while it now also seems to be a matter of time before they complete the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
A Barca statement read: "FC Barcelona has responded positively to the decision announced today by Fifa’s Appeal Committee to provisionally grant suspensive effect to the appeal made by the Club against the sanction imposed by Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee.
"The sanction was announced by the Fifa Disciplinary Commission last April 2 and prevented the Club from signing players during the next two transfer windows. FC Barcelona presented an appeal against the measure within the required period.
FC Barcelona declares its utmost respect for the resolutions pronounced by the bodies responsible for sporting justice."
Ancelotti will not leave Madrid for United, says Calderon
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 24, 2014 12:31:00 PM
The ex-Madrid chief has little doubt that the Italian coach will stay put and feels Man Utd has no choice but to sack their manager
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is confident Carlo Ancelotti would snub Manchester United if the Premier League outfit were to approach him this summer.
The Old Trafford side are in the market for a new manager following the sacking of David Moyes earlier this week and Ancelotti has been mentioned as one of the candidates, although Louis van Gaal appears to be sitting in pole position to take the United job.
However, Calderon expects the Italian to stay with Madrid even if last season's Premier League champions make him an offer.
"I believe Carlo Ancelotti will be with Real Madrid next season,” Calderon told talkSPORT.
"He’s got a contract.
"We don’t know what’s happening with Manchester United."
Calderon then went on to stress that United had no other choice but to part ways with Moyes following their poor performances this term.
"It’s always a pity when you have to sack a coach. I had that problem with Fabio Capello.
"Sometimes you have to take those decisions though. Manchester United’s results have not been normal so it’s a decision they had to take."
The former Netherlands international would welcome the chance to return to the Camp Nou side after a previous successful spell as a player
Feyenoord coach Ronald Koeman has admitted that it would be hard to turn down Barcelona if they were to approach him this summer.
The Catalans are allegedly considering parting company with current head coach Gerardo Martino at the end of the season and Sport reported earlier this week that Koeman is one of the main candidates to succeed the Argentine.
Koeman, who wore the Barcelona jersey between 1989 and 1995 during his active career, recently revealed that he will leave Feyenoord this summer after three years and he has made it clear that a return to Camp Nou would be an interesting option.
"Would I be interested in taking charge of Barcelona? Yes, of course," Koeman told NOS.
"But they have not approached me yet."
The 51-year-old Koeman enjoyed relatively successful coaching spells at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica and PSV before his reputation took a blow at Valencia and AZ.
The former Netherlands international has since gotten back on his feet at Feyenoord, guiding the fallen Rotterdam giants to three consecutive top three finishes.
Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit and ready to help Real Madrid fight for honours after returning in their 1-0 win over Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese superstar had not featured since Real's 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions quarter-final first leg on April 2, originally with a knee injury before then sustaining a thigh issue.
However, Real's talisman was involved in Wednesday's semi-final first-leg triumph over the reigning European champions, and stated that all is well despite the club's doctors not sharing his opinion.
"I felt great and I'll be ready for the next games," he told the club's official website.
"I didn't force anything to play, I felt good, so I played. Cristiano's back to help the team win.
"My confidence is larger now because I felt very good. I have not felt anything and that means that I am perfect. I have the last word. Doctors have their opinion and I have mine."
Ronaldo was substituted in the 73rd minute of Wednesday's game, though coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed afterwards his withdrawal had been planned and was not due to any recurrence of injury.
The 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or winner could have handed Real an even bigger lead to take back to the Allianz Arena for the second leg had he converted a promising opportunity in the first half after Karim Benzema had opened the scoring.
As it was, Ancelotti's men had to settle for Benzema's solitary strike and the France international was thrilled with his contribution, but felt the performance of the team was more important than his goal.
"We were really up for it and it was very important to win," he added. "It is a good result for us and now we are full of confidence ahead of the second leg.
"It was an important goal but what was more important was the manner in which Real Madrid performed."
La Liga Preview: Barca seek to close on fatigued Atletico
24 April 2014
A rested Barcelona will hope to capitalise on the fatigue of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid and fellow contenders Real Madrid this weekend.
Gerardo Martino afforded his players a day off on Monday and they visit Villarreal on Sunday having not played in midweek for the first time since mid-March.
Atletico and Real, by contrast, were involved in exhausting UEFA Champions League semi-final first legs. Carlo Ancelotti's side host fourth-bottom Osasuna on Saturday and Diego Simeone’s team visit Valencia the following day.
It has certainly been a positive week in Catalunya. They responded to three straight defeats by beating Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, took a step closer to extending Lionel Messi's contract, and had a transfer ban lifted by FIFA.
Encouragingly, Barca hold a nine-match unbeaten run against Villarreal, while Messi has scored six goals in his last four starts against them.
Villarreal made a superb start to their first term back in the top flight, but Marcelino’s men have won just three of their last 12 games to drop to seventh.
Atletico, four points clear of Barca, must overcome an examining hurdle to achieve a ninth successive La Liga victory, even though their opponents were involved in UEFA Europa League action on Thursday.
Valencia have lost just one of their last 12 home games in all competitions, while Atletico have not won a league game at the Mestalla in over 11 years.
Ancelotti's Real, six points off the pace but with a game in hand on the top two, face an Osasuna outfit unbeaten in four matches – just three days before a decisive trip to face Bayern Munich.
The Italian claimed Cristiano Ronaldo was "only 50 percent fit" in Real's 1-0 win over Bayern on Wednesday, but the Portuguese has since declared himself in "perfect condition".
Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla square off in their two-team tussle for fourth place.
Sevilla, three points behind their hosts, have won three straight league games largely thanks to five goals from Kevin Gameiro, but Bilbao have an in-form forward of their own in 33-year-old Aritz Aduriz.
Elche, unbeaten in eight home games and having kept clean sheets in the last seven of those, will strive to stride towards survival against out-of-sorts Levante on Friday. Two in-form goalkeepers could be central to the outcome: Elche’s Manu, who will be up against his former club, and Keylor Navas, La Liga's player of the month for March.
The following day third-bottom Getafe and Granada, five points above safety, host two sides who have very little to play for in Malaga and Rayo Vallecano.
Meantime Real Betis will be relegated if they fail to win at home to sixth-placed Real Sociedad.
On Sunday, second-bottom Almeria visit ninth-placed Espanyol while Valladolid travel to Celta Vigo in Monday's fixture.
The Welshman could be rested for Saturday's match as he continues to recover from flu, but Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely feature in order to increase his fitness levels
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Gareth Bale could miss this weekend's La Liga match against Osasuna as he is still recovering from a bout of flu.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star was benched for the first leg of Madrid's Champions League semi-final tie against Bayern Munich in midweek and Ancelotti admits he could opt to rest the Welshman before the visit to the Allianz Arena next week, where los Blancos will defend a 1-0 lead.
"Bale is still feeling a little weak after his illness," the Italian stated at a press conference on Friday.
"We will make a final decision on Saturday about whether he will play against Osasuna or if we will prepare him for Tuesday's return instead."
There was better news regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, however, with Ancelotti revealing the Portugal star has shaken off his injury problems and will feature on Saturday in a bid to bolster his match fitness.
"Cristiano did well against Bayern. He needs to play games in order to get back to his best again and he will play on Saturday," he said.
The Madrid coach admits his side were left drained by their win over Bayern but has stressed he will not make too many changes to the steam against Osasuna as they look to keep their slim title hopes alive.
"We want to recover energy to make sure we win all games. The match against Bayern cost us a lot of energy, but we hope to be ready for Osasuna.
"We will make a few changes, but not too many because it is a crucial game for us."
Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has undergone emergency surgery on Thursday, according to reports in Spain.
Spanish media outlet Radio Nacional have reported Vilanova was rushed to the Clinica Quiron's emergency room in Barcelona for surgery after being hospitalised last week when his health deteriorated.
While no other details have been released, Radio National also reported the 45-year-old cancer patient had suffered gastric complications and remains in a serious condition.
Vilanova has been fighting cancer in his parotid gland for more than two years after having a tumour removed in 2011.
The Spaniard was forced to stand down from his managerial position ahead of the 2013-14 La Liga campaign after suffering a relapse.
Vilanova was replaced by Gerardo Martino at the helm as he underwent treatment.
Prior to that, Vilanova had guided Barcelona to the league title in his sole season in charge in 2012-2013, following Pep Guardiola's departure.
The Catalan giants reached the 100-point mark that campaign, only the second team after arch rivals Real Madrid to do so.
After huge wins over Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Real Madrid's focus returns to La Liga's title race when Osasuna visit on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men are brimming with confidence after defeating Barca in the final of the Copa del Rey.
That was swiftly followed by an excellent 1-0 triumph over reigning European champions Bayern in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu.
Now the attention turns to the league and the club's attempt to overhaul rivals Atletico Madrid, who currently top La Liga and have a six-point cushion over third-placed Real, albeit having played a game more.
With Osasuna struggling at the wrong end of the table, and Real having won three straight league games in which they have scored 13 goals without reply, the signs point towards a comfortable home victory.
However, the Liga giants will need no reminding of the danger posed by Javi Gracia's men following a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in December, a game that saw Real come from two goals down and both teams finish with 10 men.
Real have superstar Cristiano Ronaldo available, after he made his return from a thigh injury in the triumph over Bayern.
The forward is La Liga's top goalscorer with 28 goals and team-mate Fabio Coentrao believes his availability further boosts Real.
"Any team would love to have Cristiano Ronaldo, the best player in the world," he told the club's official website.
"It is a privilege to play with him and we made good combinations."
Osasuna's recent form can be best described as mixed. Gracia's charges are unbeaten in four, but have won just once in nine league matches.
With just four matches remaining, Osasuna are just three points above the drop zone and will be keen to pull off a shock in order to alleviate the threat of relegation.
Midfield duo Roberto Torres and Francisco Silva are suspended for Osasuna, while Real will continue to monitor the fitness of forward Gareth Bale, who has been struggling with illness.
Elche wasted an opportunity to create breathing room between themselves and the relegation zone as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Levante.
The hosts could have moved six points clear of La Liga's bottom three with victory but they are four ahead of danger following their 12th draw of the campaign, with all their rivals to play this weekend.
Fran Escriba's side looked to be heading for only a second win in nine matches when striker Richmond Boakye found the net in the 63rd minute.
The Ghanian fired low into the net after being played in by midfielder Garry Rodrigues.
However, Elche's lead lasted only 11 minutes as Levante hit back to frustrate the home fans at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
And it was ex-Elche striker Angel that came back to haunt his former employers, netting on the rebound after home goalkeeper Manu Herrera had parried his initial effort following a corner to ensure a share of the spoils.
The ex-Barcelona coach was hospitalised following a drastic downturn in his health which required emergency surgery, but was unable to survive his battle with cancer
Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45 after losing his battle with cancer, the club have confirmed.
The ex-central midfielder was admitted to hospital on Thursday following a downturn in his health which required an operation on his stomach, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirming the trainer was "fighting" for his life.
However, Vilanova, whose post-playing career was plagued by cancer, passed away on Friday afternoon.
Vilanova's public health problems began during his final season as Pep Guardiola's assistant when he was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland.
He took over from his long-time friend for the 2012-13 season but suffered a relapse just six months into his tenure as head coach.
He underwent surgery in December 2012, with Jordi Roura taking his place on the bench while he recovered in New York, before returning in March 2013 to see out the rest of the reason and guide Barca to La Liga glory.
However, his continued health problems saw him step down as coach of the Catalans last summer, with Gerardo Martino taking the reins in his place.
Vilanova has largely - and understandably - been out of the spotlight since he left his position at Camp Nou but rumours of his ill health have sadly been revealed to be true. He is survived by a wife and two children.
Following confirmation of his death, Barcelona president Bartomeu said in a statement: "Tito will be a reference as a man and in terms of football for Barcelona forever. We thank him for everything he taught us. Rest in peace."
The Catalan club, for whom he worked for several years before being promoted to head coach in 2012, also sent their condolences to the family of Vilanova.
"The club wishes to express its most heartfelt sympathy to his family, who are being joined in these moments of mourning by Barcelona members and fans all around the world, as well as the rest of the footballing and sporting world.
"The Vilanova family has asked for respect for their desire for the strictest intimacy in the moments after his death."
Barcelona have announced that the funeral will take place on Monday at 20:00CET, while Camp Nou will be open to those who wish to pay their respects over the weekend.
Emotions will run high at El Madrigal on Sunday as Barcelona play their first game since the death of former coach Tito Vilanova.
Gerardo Martino's men face a game against Villarreal just two days after Vilanova's passing - following a lengthy battle with throat cancer - was confirmed.
The assistant to Pep Guardiola during a period of glorious success at Camp Nou, Vilanova subsequently took over as first-team coach and led the Catalan giants to the Liga title with a club-record haul of 100 points in 2012-13.
Having battled ill health and spending time in hospital during his brief reign, Vilanova stood down in July 2013 to be replaced by Martino.
His condition then worsened earlier this month and Barca released a statement on Friday confirming Vilanova's passing at the age of 45.
Players from both sides will wear black armbands during Sunday's match, which is set to be preceded by a minute of silence in Vilanova's memory.
Matters on the pitch will be secondary in light of the news, though Barca can follow up last weekend's 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, which ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.
Martino's side are four points adrift of Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, with four rounds of fixtures remaining, while Real Madrid are a further two points back but boast a game in hand on the top two.
Lionel Messi scored the winner on Sunday as Barca came from a goal down to maintain their slim title hopes.
Messi had previously gone three games without a goal, sparking criticism from various quarters.
However, former Barca forward Giovani dos Santos, who now plies his trade for Villarreal, believes harsh assessments of his former team-mate has been over the top.
"Messi is the best in the world. Everything that's been said is exaggerated and out of control," Dos Santos told Sport.
"You can't trust the form of Barca. The league is the only trophy they have left and they are going to throw everything at it."
Villarreal also have plenty to play for going into the closing weeks of the season, as they look to close the two-point gap to sixth-placed Real Sociedad in the chase for a UEFA Europa League place.
Martino could welcome back Javier Mascherano from a calf injury after he and Sergio Busquets returned to training, but Neymar, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Carles Puyol remain sidelined.
Atletico Madrid's face a huge test in their quest for honours as they begin a run of three crucial games in the space of a week at Valencia.
La Liga leaders Atleti travel to the Mestalla with a four-point cushion over reigning champions Barcelona, while city rivals Real are two further behind in third, though they have a game in hand.
Following Sunday's encounter, Diego Simeone's men travel to Chelsea for their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg, with the tie poised at 0-0 after the first encounter, and a trip to Levante rounds off a testing seven days.
Simeone's charges deserve credit for challenging the domestic dominance of Barca and Real this term, and three points would see them inch ever-closer to a well-deserved Liga title.
The Vincente Calderon side are protecting an eight-match winning run in the league, a sequence during which their defence has been breached just once.
This fixture has been earmarked as a potential banana skin for Atleti. Valencia have lost just one of their last eight league matches on home soil.
Atleti can take confidence from a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture this campaign, though the corresponding encounter last season saw Valencia triumph 2-0.
The sides have also met in Copa del Rey action this year, Atleti progressing from their round-of-16 tie 3-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Valencia.
With all the ingredients in place for a classic encounter, Atleti goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insists the squad is fully prepared to face Juan Antonio Pizzi's men.
He told the club's official website: "As we go game-by-game our biggest test now is Valencia. We're at a good level physically."
"I think we're good, we can make one more effort on the field and that's good for the remaining games. Our first final is on Sunday.
"We have seen in the Cup it will be a tough game, you have to play it as a final and only if we do so, can we move forward."
Atleti will be hoping Pizzi's charges are still licking their wounds from a 2-0 setback at Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg, a result that leaves their place in the tournament in jeopardy ahead of Thursday's return tie.
Centre-back Philippe Senderos (knock) could join goalkeeper Digeo Alves (hamstring) and defensive duo Ricardo Costa (ankle) and Victor Ruiz (thigh) in missing out, while Atleti will monitor the fitness of winger Arda Turan who has only recently returned following a groin injury.
