Pedri helps Barca squeeze win from drab Getafe clash

AFP, Barcelona :
Pedri Gonzalez’s goal made the difference for Barcelona in a 1-0 win over Getafe on Sunday, moving them provisionally six points clear at the top of La Liga.
Without suspended striker Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona created few noteworthy chances, but did just enough to emerge with the three points to drive on their bid for a first league title since 2019.
Second place Real Madrid face Athletic Bilbao later Sunday and Barcelona increased the pressure on the champions, whom they also beat to win the Spanish Super Cup last weekend.
“We didn’t play well, we were sluggish, we didn’t attack well,” Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez told Movistar.
“We did defend well, but it’s always hard to attack a defensive line sitting so deep, but we weren’t polished in our play, we didn’t have a great game by any means and we have to improve.
“But we do take an important win, three points at home, and another clean sheet which is important too.”
Xavi’s side have won six games in a row across all competitions and fans chanted the coach’s name in the final stages despite a sub-par display.
The coach selected Ansu Fati up front in place of Lewandowski but the young Spain international struggled to get into the game.
The whole Barcelona side took a while to get going on a chilly night at Camp Nou, with Borja Mayoral almost drawing first blood for Getafe, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Barca’s first real chance came in the 35th minute and was converted by Pedri from close range, turning home Raphinha’s cross after a great interception by Andreas Christensen set the Brazilian free.
Former Real Madrid striker Mayoral should have equalised for the visitors but was denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen when through on goal, after a poorly judged Pedri back-pass.
Barcelona’s German stopper is back to his best this season after a long dip in form and that is reflected in their sparkling defensive record.