The midfield duo combined to break the deadlock at the Olympic Stadium as Xavi's side secured their first win of the season in La Liga
Pedri found the net late on to save Barcelona after a disappointing showing in their home opener against lowly Cadiz. After 80 dismal minutes, Barca came alive, scoring twice in the final 10 to edge their well-organised opponents at the Olympic Stadium, stealing a 2-0 win for their first La Liga win of the campaign.
Pedri should have put Barca ahead after 15 minutes, but put his header into the grateful arms of the goalkeeper as he looked to find Robert Lewandowski. Teenager Lamine Yamal also came close, seeing his shot wonderfully tipped around the post by Jeremias Ledesma from a tight angle on what was the 16-year-old's first professional start. Ledesma was at it again shortly after, denying Jules Kounde from close range.
Barca continued to attack after the break, as Gavi rattled the bar with a header while Lewandowski, who was poor on the day, squandered a chance from close range. Ez Abde forced another save out of the keeper, too.
And finally, the goal came. Ilkay Gundogan found the killer pass — a deft chip over two flailing Cadiz legs, and Pedri provided the finish, sliding in to slot the ball between Ledesma's legs. Ferran Torres added a decisive second in stoppage-time, running through on goal after Lewandowski's flick-on.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Made an impressive stop in the first half, had little to do otherwise.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Should have scored in the first half, and made a couple of defensive errors. The jury is still out, a year after his signature.
Andreas Christensen (7/10)
A solid showing from the only natural central defender in the XI. Needs to stay fit for a few weeks to keep Barca afloat.
Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
Started as an emergency centre-back, but stepped into the midfield in possession. Barca missed his zip in the middle of the park.
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Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Impressive in his first Barca start. Created chances aplenty, and was unfortunate not to grab a goal. His influence waned late on.
Oriol Romeu (6/10):
A solid presence in the middle, even if he was frustratingly slow on the ball at times.
Ilkay Gundogan (8/10):
Tried to increase the speed of play, but didn't get much help from anyone else. Produced a moment of magic to assist Pedri.
Alejandro Balde (6/10)
Effectively deployed as a left winger, but didn't always make the most of the more advanced positions he found himself in. Was double-teamed pretty much every time he touched the ball.
Getty ImagesAttack
Gavi (6/10):
Feisty, full of legs, picked up a silly booking after the half-time whistle for dissent. Didn't offer much on the ball.
Robert Lewandowski (5/10):
Uncharacteristically poor. Squandered a handful of half-chances, which he usually converts. Fired a free-kick into the wall, dropped too deep at times. He will improve, but this wasn't an encouraging one.
Pedri (8/10):
An all-too-rare source of creativity. Linked with Lewandowski well, but really should have scored in the first half. Redeemed himself by netting the winner.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Ez Abde (7/10):
Added a spark in the second half. Looks a good option off the bench.
Ansu Fati (6/10):
Forced to watch from the bench while Yamal impressed. Tried to do too much when introduced.
Sergi Roberto (6/10):
A cool head to see things out.
Eric Garcia (N/A):
Hardly touched the ball.
Ferran Torres (7/10):
Bagged a goal so seal three points.
Xavi (6/10):
Made the bold call to start Yamal and played De Jong at centre-back. His team turned in a poor performance, but were saved by individual quality. He will take the three points and hope for better displays going forward.
