Messi-Villa double act a Barca bonus

Barcelona assistant manager Jordi Roura was delighted at the understanding between Lionel Messi and David Villa as they combined for all of Barca's goals in a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

There had been suggestions in the past that the two did not get on, but Roura laughed off those claims and hailed the connection they have on and off the field.

"This is something I have heard many times and it has always seemed absurd to me," he said. "There has never been a motive to say this and the relationship now is the same as it was a few months ago, that is to say it is very good.

"They have good chemistry together. We don't need to say anything about Messi, but Villa scores goals, goes in behind and moves very well into space. They complement each other and we are very happy that they understand each other so well."

Villa was particularly bright as he started for the fourth consecutive game for the first time since breaking his tibia 15 months ago and he opened the scoring after Messi had unlocked the Rayo defence on 25 minutes.

The Spanish international then turned provider for Messi to score twice either side of the break and after also scoring in the comeback against AC Milan last Tuesday, Roura believes his confidence has fully returned after a difficult start to the season.

"Every game is its own story and this week we have seen that Villa was fundamental for us.