Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova was delighted with his side's fighting spirit as they came from behind to beat Spartak Moscow 3-2 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

Trailing 2-1 at the Camp Nou, Lionel Messi scored two goals to give Vilanova a victory in his first European game in charge of the side.

"I would have preferred to have won more easily and suffered less," the Spaniard told reporters. "However, I think these types of games are good for all of us.

"Football is not easy. The comeback proves that this team is eager to win.

"They proved that they really like playing football. It's difficult for a team that has won so much to be this hungy for victory."

Vilanova was promoted from assistant to coach of Barcelona in June following the departure of Pep Guardiola.