Xavi: Barca will keep attacking

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has warned his side will stay true to their attacking philosophy ahead of the new season.

The Catalans swept their way to the La Liga and Champions League titles last year under their first-year coach Pep Guardiola and started the new season with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Spanish Super Cup tie last night.

Barca had gone behind against the run of play when Oscar De Marcos struck in the 44th minute, but second-half goals from Xavi and Pedro gave Guardiola's side an advantage heading into the second leg at the Nou Camp next Sunday.

Barca's league campaign does not begin until a home date with Sporting Gijon on August 31, which comes three days after they play Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Super Cup, but Xavi believes the Catalans are already hitting their straps.

"We are happy, especially with the outcome," he told Marca after last night's game.

"The team maintains the winning momentum and we don't get tired of winning.

"We have the same coach, the same approach and we will play an offensive game that is attractive for supporters and for us."

Guardiola was also pleased with his side's display, although he believes they must show more patience in attack.

"We did well in the first 25 minutes but we attacked too fast and were ineffective. We need to build up," he said.

"Athletic is a great football team and the players play for the shirt. We will do well to take them seriously.

"The result was good but we must do better."