BARCELONA midfielder Xavi insists his side had it much harder against Atletico Madrid last night than the one-sided final scoreline would suggest.

The reigning Primera Division 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.

Barca coach Guardiola also refused to let the scoreline paper over some things he felt were lacking from his team, adding: "As a spectator the match was fantastic, but not so much as a coach.

"As a coach, I'm not very enthusiastic about this match. We didn't have it under control. We needed to develop more of our plays and control the ball more."

It may not have been straightforward but Barca were still impressive and Xavi is pleased with what he has seen from the Catalan giants both at last night's game and at the start of the new campaign in general.

"We played some good football (against Atletico), especially in the first half," he added.

"We feel we are on the right line with both our play and results. We have a great squad and we have to continue enjoying ourselves."