Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen was the unlikely hero for the Catalans, scoring his first goal for the club who he joined a year ago but only played a single goal for in 2014-15 due to an injury picked up during the World Cup.
Camp Nou coach Luis Enrique is relieved that the clash did not end the same way as the same fixture did last season, when Barca were beaten 1-0 in one of only two La Liga defeats they suffered after the winter break.
"These are the sort of games in which you usually despair," he told reporters. "We were very good and Camp Nou has been patient.
"We knew we were going to decide the game by the end, we were the superior side. We played a very complete match as we prepared during the week. I was always confident the team would win."
Luis Enrique also commented on the performance of Vermaelen, who he does not mind joining up with Belgium's national side in the upcoming international break to build on his form and fitness.
"We knew Thomas was a top player," he added. "Not even just at defending, he did many things very well. He is key to our strategy.
"He has lots of character and knows how to play. I'm happy to go join Belgium's squad. He will improve his work and have a chance to boost his physical condition."
Reigning Spanish champions Barca are back in action on September 12 when they travel to Atletico Madrid for their third Primera Division game of 2015-16.
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