Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has admitted that his team struggled to defeat Spartak Moscow in Wednesday evening's Champions League clash.

The Argentine international, who scored twice in the 3-2 victory, said that the Russia side was strong in defence and dangerous on the break.

"It's not easy to win a game like that when the other team sits back and defends," he told Uefa.com.

"They have very fast forwards and played well on the counter-attack."

Cristian Tello gave Barcelona the lead before a Dani Alves own goal and a Romulo strike put the Russians in front, only for Messi's brace to seal the point for the Spaniards.

The result put Barcelona top of Group G after Celtic and Benfica played out a 0-0 draw in the evening's other match.