Barcelona coach Xavi admits motivation was an issue for defeat at Real Valladolid.

Valladolid were deserved 3-1 winners last night.

"It's difficult to prepare for these games, but the objective was achieved. The result was the result of a lack of tension, we tried, but we made mistakes and, like that, it costs twice as much," said Xavi, referring to their past title celebrations.

"We were good for the first 20 minutes: we created four or five clear chances. Then we lowered the level of play. The result is fair. They were more in need than us.

"We knew that they alternated the two systems, with a line of five or four defenders, but they needed the win. They pressed well up front and came out well on the counter, but we made mistakes and gave them a certain advantage. We failed. We didn't play our best, the result of a lack of tension and having the title in our hands.

"The players are carrying a huge burden. It's been a World Cup year and that weighs on them. We, in any case, have covered our objective with the Super Cup and the league, but today we didn't give a good account of ourselves, only in the last half hour of the first half. We have two games left and we have to improve."