Xavi insists Barcelona had it much harder against Atletico Madrid than the one-sided final scoreline would suggest.

The reigning Primera Liga champions made it three wins from three at the start of the season after downing Atletico 5-2 at the Nou Camp in a match that appeared to be following a similar script to last year's corresponding fixture.

Then, Barca had the points wrapped up inside the opening 28 minutes as they raced into a 5-1 lead en route to a 6-1 win, while last night Pep Guardiola's men boasted a 4-1 advantage at half-time.

That lead may have suggested the game was as good as over heading into the second period, but Xavi was keen to point out it was not all plain-sailing for his side.

"It wasn't easy at all. Atletico play well and they have good players," said the Barca schemer.