Barça managed to beat Girona 1-0 at Montilivi thanks to a second half goal from Pedri in the Catalan derby today.
Pedri scored his third goal in four matches. It happened just after the hour mark after Jordi Alba’s cross had been spilled. It was the only goal of the game.
Girona pushed for an equaliser at the later stages of the game. However, Barça held strong to secure a 14th clean sheet in 18 league games. Barça now move six points clear at the top of LaLiga.
Xavi made four changes to the team which beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in the Copa del Rey. Eric Garcia, Marcos Alonso, Raphinha and Ansu Fati came in for Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde, Pedri and the suspended Robert Lewandowski.
Girona had the game’s first chance through Yann Couto. But for most of the first half, Barça had the ball but failed to create any danger.
That changed in the second half with the introduction of Jordi Alba. The left back added width on the left and set up the goal for Pedri.
After replacing the injured Ousmane Dembele in the first half, Pedri was on hand to turn home the winner on his 100th appearance for the club.
🚑✅| OFFICIAL INJURY NEWS: Tests performed have showed that Ousmane Dembélé suffers from an injury in his left thigh. He is out for now and the evolution of the injury will mark his availability.#FCB 🇫🇷
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) January 28, 2023
Girona opened up after Barça’s goal. Ronald Araujo headed off the line with Stuani waiting to pounce before Ivan Martin and Valery missed late chances for the home side.
nice