Pedri’s 35th-minute winner helped Barcelona cement their top position on the La Liga table as they prevailed over Getafe at Camp Nou on Sunday.

With a greater ball possession from the onset, Pedri rose to the occasion 10 minutes before half-time with a strike that went on to separate the two sides. Jules Kounde released Raphinha down the left with a fine pass before the former’s left-footed cross was prodded home by Pedri.

The complexion of the game didn’t undergo any changes as such even after half-time as Barcelona were right through in control with their defence.

For Getafe thus, chances were few and far. It was only a minute before the final whistle when they found an opportunity to equalise.

The ball was lofted forward off a free-kick 40 yards from goal as substitute Juanmi Latasa stretched to nod it towards the target. Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, however, was well-positioned to deal with that effort.

Courtesy this win, Barcelona are on 44 points from 17 matches.

Griezmann shines

Antoine Griezmann scored a goal and an assist as Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways with a 3-0 home victory over Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday.

First-half goals from Griezmann, Alvaro Morata and Mario Hermoso earned the fourth-placed Atletico just their second win in their last seven league games, while a fifth straight defeat for Valladolid leaves them one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Diego Simeone’s side took control of the game after scoring all three of their goals in a 10-minute span. Griezmann set Morata up for the first in the 18th minute with a clever flick before getting on the scoresheet himself with a delightfully improvised backheel goal. The Frenchman was heavily involved in the third goal as well, finding Hermoso with a free-kick.

Hermoso’s 28th-minute header was denied by Valladolid goalkeeper Jordi Masip, but the rebound fell back at his feet and the Atletico defender found the target.

In the second half as Atletico sat back and defended, while a desperate Valladolid pressed for a goal but were unable to break down their opponents.