There were doubts that Tito Vilanova could take on the mantle left by Pep Guardiola this summer but he has proved himself in emphatic fashion with the team notching up eleven wins and a draw so far that leaves them six points clear at the top and eight ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Real Zaragoza at the Camp Nou on Saturday. Pic/afp