Cesc Fabregas has admitted that Malaga made Barcelona "suffer" in the league meeting between the two sides at the weekend.

The Spanish champions claimed all three points courtesy of a first-half strike from Adriano, with Fabregas reiterating the importance of the victory.

"In the last five minutes we suffered, but we must also learn to suffer. We played a very good first half and in the second we have lowered our intensity. We can improve," the Spaniard told reporters at a press conference.

"This has been a win that needed much work and is very important. My performance? I always want to do well, I am motivated. This is a very important season for me. People want more from me."

Fabregas has been widely linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.