Vilanova's temporary departure led to the battlefield promotion of assistant manager Jordi Roura.

WSJ: Barcelona Has to Pick Itself Up

Roura's only head coaching experience before this had come at third-tier Hospitalet, where he lasted about half a season before being fired in 2007.

WSJ: Barcelona Has to Pick Itself Up

Vilanova, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, left deputy Jordi Roura in charge, but it made little difference as Barca continued its hot streak.

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Even with Roura on the sideline, the club has said that Vilanova remains intimately involved in day-to-day events, watching film, receiving updates after practices, and setting the team's overall philosophy.

WSJ: Barcelona Has to Pick Itself Up

Vilanova's team, under the temporary guidance of assistant Jordi Roura, is looking to continue a run which saw them pick up a record 16 wins from their first 17 league matches of the season.

CNN: Vilanova returns as Barca get back to work

Roura paid tribute to goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who has been in fine form despite announcing he will not be extending his contract at the Camp Nou -- in particular denying Roberto Soldado a goal at the end.

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For Roura, the result was a relief.

CNN: Barcelona breezes past Milan in Champions League

Roura has never made any claims to wanting to be a permanent coach and he suffered in Milan where the home side's impressive defensive discipline smothered the usual attacking prowess of a side standing 12 points clear in the Spanish league.

CNN: Milan stun Barcelona in Champions League

Mustering barely a shot on target worthy of the name, Barcelona's limp display -- with Lionel Messi's impact wholly minimized by some efficient defending -- must have made Roura, 45, wish he could never return to the San Siro in a competitive capacity again.

CNN: Milan stun Barcelona in Champions League