FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez says their UEFA Champions League group stage exit has affected the players.
The Catalan giants got back to winning ways on Saturday evening, although they needed a late goal from Robert Lewandowski to see off Valencia at the Mestalla.
The win comes just days after Blaugrana's exit in the Champions League was confirmed, which will see the side compete in the Europa League once again.
Read: Xavi issues a message to Barca players after UCL exit
The Catalan coach feels the disappointment of the Champions League this season is weighing on the players.
"It's a very important victory, in almost in the last second, and we never stopped believing", as per reports from Marca.
"We played with anxiety, as the Champions League exit has effected us and we have suffered.
"We deserved the victory. It wasn't an excellent game, but it's vital."
The win took Barcelona above Real Madrid and into top spot, although their fierce rivals can reclaim their throne with a win against Girona FC on Sunday evening.
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