Ibrahimovic shrugged off an ankle problem to climb off the bench and net Barca's opener in their 2-0 win at Malaga, taking his tally to five goals in five league matches since joining the Catalan giants this summer.

No new Barca signing had previously scored in each of their opening four league matches, let alone five, but the giant Swede preferred to praise the rest of the team rather than accept individual plaudits.

"I try to score goals and help my team-mates. Without them I can't do anything. The goal has come from a great pass from (Lionel) Messi," said Ibrahimovic.

The victory, which was secured by Gerard Pique's second-half goal, continued Barca's 100% start to the season and kept them level pegging with Real Madrid at the top of the standings.

It was not an easy evening for the reigning champions though, with the state of the pitch at La Rosaleda a concern for the players.

"The pitch made it difficult for our style of play, we've had to play more direct," said Dani Alves.

Messi added: "It was a tough match, with many battles and a difficult playing surface."

It was not all good news for Barca though, with Thierry Henry and Dimitro Chygrynskiy both picking up injuries which will see the duo undergoing tests today to determine the extent of the problems.