Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez earned his facet a tense 1-0 Catalan derby victory at Girona on Saturday, opening a six-point hole forward of Real Madrid on the high of La Liga. With Carlo Ancelotti’s facet internet hosting high-flying Real Sociedad on Sunday, Barca put their rivals underneath strain to get a end result and sustain with them within the title race. Pedri netted the one objective from shut vary after an hour at an icy Montilivi on his one hundredth look for Barcelona, after changing the injured Ousmane Dembele.

The French ahead limped off within the first half, pulling up after a dash and asking to get replaced, a blow for Barcelona contemplating his very good latest type.

Barca coach Xavi Hernandez rotated in defence, handing Eric Garcia a uncommon begin, together with Marcos Alonso, who prolonged his contract till 2024 on Friday.

The league leaders have been nonetheless with out suspended Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, lacking his last recreation after a three-match ban.

Girona created the primary likelihood after simply three minutes, Rodrigo Riquelme’s clean by means of ball feeding Yan Couto, whose shot was blocked.

Dembele additionally had an effort deflected away on the different finish after Ansu Fati gained the ball from goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

The French winger, who fired Barcelona into the Copa del Rey semi-finals in opposition to Real Sociedad midweek, was compelled off injured after 25 minutes with Pedri changing him.

Dembele’s first years at Barcelona have been hampered by accidents however since Xavi’s arrival in November 2021, the ahead had been capable of keep match and firing.

Fati lashed over after urgent excessive to win the ball again as Barcelona failed to search out their rhythm in assault.

Pedri despatched a low shot straight at Gazzaniga earlier than the break, with Girona’s defence untroubled.

Xavi introduced on Jordi Alba for Alonso on the break and it made the distinction for Barcelona.

The left-back arrange Pedri’s opener with a cross from the left, tapped in by the Spaniard on the again publish on the finish of the primary incisive transfer Barcelona had put collectively all recreation.

The midfielder, whom Xavi had supposed to relaxation, reached a century of appearances for Barca at simply 20 years outdated and celebrated along with his fifteenth objective for the membership.

Ronald Araujo headed a cross off his personal objective line underneath strain as Girona pushed for an equaliser, throwing males ahead.

Ivan Martin missed a tremendous likelihood in stoppage time for the hosts as Barcelona misplaced all management of the sport however survived a nervy finale to earn the win.

The Catalans have conceded simply six targets in La Liga this season and Girona, eleventh, couldn’t discover the seventh to grab a degree.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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