Staff Reporter.
Pedri scored a brilliant second-half goal as Barcelona beat Sevilla to move up to second in La Liga and keep their title hopes alive.
After a goalless first half, the 19-year-old midfielder showed great composure on the edge of the box to thump a shot into the bottom corner.
“The goal was similar to the one I scored in Turkey (against Galatasaray),” Pedri said. “I saw the leg coming so I feigned (the shot), and once I shot, I knew it was heading in.”
Sevilla had a penalty shout in the first half when Anthony Martial’s shot hit Ronald Araujo’s arm.
But Barcelona were the better side as Gerard Pique also hit the post.
Defender Pique, though, was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off late on as he pulled back Jesus Corona, who looked set to run clear on goal.
But Barcelona held out to take a crucial three points and extend their unbeaten run to 14 games. They are now 12 points behind leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand.
Sevilla had started the day in second place, but dropped to fourth, behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on goal difference, as their own 15-game run without defeat came to an end.
“As for LaLiga, as long as it’s mathematically possible, we will keep fighting,” manager Xavi Hernandez said after the match. “We’re going to try. It’s unlikely that Madrid slip up so much, but we will give everything until the end.”
Xavi was effusive in his praise of the Spain international, likening Pedri’s attributes to those of the coach’s when he wore the armband for the Blaugrana.
“A supreme player. When I say that, I mean there aren’t many people that understand how we play like he does,” Xavi said. “And what a goal he scored. He makes the difference. It’s spectacular watching him play, and he’s only 19. There are no comparisons.
“I encourage him to shoot more, but he’s a passer. He’s thinking about the next pass, the final pass, the decisive pass. I was a little bit the same. He doesn’t realise sometimes you have to try your luck, because he’s got a good shot on him. And he scored a great goal today.”
Barcelona are next in action on Thursday, when they resume their Europa League campaign at Eintracht Frankfurt.