Xavi Hernandez has revealed that Barcelona players felt the effects of the European Super Cup during their opening league encounter with Sporting de Gijon on Monday evening.

The talismanic midfielder was able to produce another dominant display, but has admitted that after the arduous encounter in Monaco against Shakhtar on Friday, things were tough.

Barca won thanks to goals from Bojan Krkic, Seydou Keita and Zlatan Ibrahimovic; but many pundits felt that the team was not at its best throughout.

"We came off the back of winning two Super Cups and it was not easy. It was a game that could have caused us problems, but we gave everything we had," he told the club's official website.

"It was a game that could have caught us out. Sporting play well, but the team has not complicated matters for ourselves.

Xavi was also pleased that Ibrahimovic opened his account for the club and thinks that the Swedish striker will only improve.

"Ibra is a goalscorer and he likes to score. It is his first goal for Barca and we are happy for him because he is doing well," he added.