Vilanova thrilled with Barcelona victory over Getafe

Posted Monday, September 17, 2012 by Sports.yahoo.com

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has praised his side's resolve after securing a 4-1 victory away to Getafe, a fixture that the club suffered defeat in last season.

Goals from Adriano, a double from substitute Lionel Messi and a solitary David Villa strike ensured a big win for the Catalan giant, which tops La Liga with a 100 percent record.

Vilanova was quick to point out that Barcelona had won both games away to the Azulones, as well as Osasuna, defeats which ultimately derailed the team's title hopes last season.

"We have 12 points out of 12 possible. The team has been controlled at all times, knowing how badly we had it last year," the 42-year-old told Sport. "We have had enough patience, and we can achieve more goals. It is good for everyone to know that we lost in Pamplona and Getafe [last season], and this year we won. There are never easy games, but there are many points at stake."

On the subject of Messi, who started from the bench, Vilanova insisted that it was as a result of jet-lag, with the Argentine coming on in the second half to score twice.

"I talked to him, he [played in] tough games, with a strong preseason," he said. "He came form a trip with the national team and [wanted to] start, but I thought he should be rested and so I used him in a more open game."

Club captain Carles Puyol suffered another injury setback after being replaced by Javier Mascherano in the 57th minute and the Barca boss expressed his disappointment at the latest injury.

"We will see tomorrow after further testing and the scope and timescale [of how long Puyol will be out for]," Vilanova explained. "It is a problem because we have issues in central defense and Puyol is very important to our team. [He is a] player that gives us a lot and we hope he returns as soon as possible."

Barcelona welcomes Spartak Moscow to Camp Nou as the club begins its quest for a third Champions League title in five years on Tuesday.