Vilanova is battling the cancer that has returned, meaning assistant Jordi Roura will take his place on the bench.

“These are three very important points,” Busquets said.

“On a collective level, but especially for Tito. We have to win, because there is no alternative. It was negative news, we’ve had a lot of it, but in the end we are encouraged and that gives us strength to do well in the game.

“Hopefully we can get the three points and that will help us recover. Tito came with a very positive message and that’s good for the team, it gave us energy.”