Barcelona coach Jordi Roura has rubbished talk of a rift between Lionel Messi and David Villa.

The pair played together for victory over Rayo Vallecano.

"This issue of a conflict I have heard many times - it is absurd," said Roura.

"Currently the relationship between the two is just like it was a few months ago. I mean, very good."

Villa has enjoyed a fruitful week, his goal last night coming days after he scored against AC Milan as Barcelona made an astonishing comeback to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Roura continued: "I've always said that David is a very important man for us. It's a great joy for us to see him score because he brings a lot to the team."