Vilanova: We aren't a one-man team

LA LIGA RESULTS

 

Saturday, November 17
Osasuna	0-0	Malaga
Valencia	2-1	Espanyol
Barcelona	3-1	Real Zaragoza
Real Madrid	5-1	Athletic Bilbao
Sunday, November 18
Deportivo	0-2	Levante
Celta de Vigo	1-1	Mallorca
Getafe	2-1	Rayo Valladolid
Granada	0-1	Atletico Madrid
Sevilla	5-1	Real Betis
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Tito Vilanova insisted Barcelona were not a one-man side after Lionel Messi scored twice and set up another as the Catalan club powered on at the top of the Primera Division with a 3-1 victory over Real Zaragoza.

Messi took his season tally for Barca to 22 in all competitions with strikes in the 16th and 60th minutes, and also turned provider in the 28th minute to help summer signing Alex Song open his account for the club.

Messi's contribution is immeasurable but Barca coach Vilanova is adamant the club's success is not only down to the Argentina forward.

He told reporters: "It's no great revelation to say that Messi is decisive, but Leo doesn't win games by himself.

"You have to create chances, know how to defend... It's too simplistic to say Barca is just Messi.

"Leo is very good but we need all the players because only one cannot win a game."

Barca went into the match having earned 31 points from a possible 33 this term and they always looked likely to pick up another three last night.

Vilanova said: "Whenever we have a match, I always think we can win it, but the truth is that winning 11 games in a row is a great run. The team is where it is this season because the players are hungry to win."

The match was also marked by the returns of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, who played together for the first time since April with both players having suffered injuries.

"Having Puyol and Pique back makes a big difference," Vilanova added.

"(Javier) Mascherano had played too many games in a row. They'll really help us."