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Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said it had been an "extremely sad weekend for Barcelona and for football" after the death of former boss Tito Vilanova.
 Vilanova passed away at the age of 45 on Friday after a more-than two-year battle with cancer of the salivary gland.
 "Before everything, it is an extremely sad weekend for Barcelona and for football. I just want to send my love and support to Tito's family," said the Argentine, who replaced Vilanova when he was forced to resign due to ongoing health problems last July.
 The Barca players honoured their former boss on Sunday with a stirring fightback from 2-0 down with 25 minutes remaining to maintain their slim chances of retaining their La Liga title with a 3-2 win at Villarreal.
 Atletico Madrid continue to lead the way after their 1-0 win at Valencia on Sunday. The are four points ahead of Barca with three games remaining, including a clash between the two on the final day of the season.
There was also controversy at the El Madrigal after a supporter threw a banana at Barca's Brazilian full-back Dani Alives. 
Following the incident, Barcelona yesterday demanded the eradication of racism from the Spanish game.
The banana landed on the pitch near Alves just as he was about to take a corner, in the latest in a series of racist taunts he has suffered in more than a decade playing in Spain.
Alves showed his scorn for the attack by picking up the banana and taking a bite out of it before going on with game.
 Spain's football federation will review the incident in a meeting today.
 "Barcelona totally supports and stands with [Alves[after the insults he received Sunday," the club said in a statement.
 Villareal put a message on Twitter saying: "Pity to see an ignoramus capable of such a lamentable act. There is no room for it in sport."
Alves said: "I have been in Spain 11 years and it has been the same for 11 years. You have to laugh at these backward people." 


Barca dedicate win to Vilanova

Barcelona's players bow their heads during the minute's silence for Vilanova at El Madrigal. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Players honour their former boss with a stirring come-from-behind victory at Villarreal
