Xavi Hernandez utilised Robert Lewandowski for the whole duration of the game between Barcelona and third tier side Ceuta, in the Copa del Rey round of 16 clash.

Lewandowski featured for the entire 90 minutes of the game, and scored two goals in the process.

Xavi decided to give the 34-year-old a full match, despite him playing 210 minutes across two Supercopa matches in Saudi Arabia.

Xavi has now explained that his decision was bent on the fact that Lewandowski would miss the next two La Liga games through suspension.

“We did not want him to be two weeks without action. He’s shown today that he is a pro. He’s perfect for us because, in addition to his professionalism, he also scored,” Xavi said.

Xavi is expected to be back in action next week when Barcelona play against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.