Pedri earns subdued Barca nervy derby win at Girona

Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez earned his side a tense 1-0 Catalan derby victory at Girona on Saturday, opening a six-point gap ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

With Carlo Ancelotti’s side hosting high-flying Real Sociedad on Sunday, Barca put their rivals under pressure to get a result and keep up with them in the title race.

Pedri netted the only goal from close range after an hour at an icy Montilivi on his 100th appearance for Barcelona, after replacing the injured Ousmane Dembele.

The French forward limped off in the first half, pulling up after a sprint and asking to be replaced, a blow for Barcelona considering his superb recent form.

Barca coach Xavi Hernandez said the winger appeared to have a quadriceps injury.

Despite the narrow margin of victory, Xavi believes his team is significantly stronger than when he took over in November 2021.

“We have to be self-critical and improve in many ways, but we are happy, we have to look at where we came from,” Xavi told reporters.

“The change to the team and a lot of players is big, we have many things to improve on, but we’re on the right path.

“I think the (biggest difference) is the confidence of the players – when we arrived their confidence was on the floor.”

Defensively the Catalans have been strong, conceding just six league goals this season and winning their last three matches 1-0 – they are unbeaten in 13 consecutive matches across all competitions.

“I think at grounds like this you have to win, however you do it,” Barcelona defender Jules Kounde said.

“We can play better, but in these away games, against opponents playing well, winning is vital.

“I think keeping a clean sheet is key. The whole team works defensively, not just the back four. Everyone is working well.”