Sergio Busquets admitted Barcelona needed to beat Espanyol on Saturday after the Catalan giants enjoyed a narrow 1-0 win over their local rivals.
Memphis Depay scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to make it a winning start for Xavi as Barcelona boss.
However, Espanyol will feel aggrieved the penalty was given and will rue several missed chances after slipping to yet another defeat at the Camp Nou.
Busquets spoke about the result after the final whistle and felt it was important for Xavi to start life with victory on his return to the club.