Pedri shines and Barça regains the lead: Another 'masterclass' against Rayo!

FC Barcelona defeated Rayo on Monday in Montjuïc (1-0) in another great match by Pedri González. The midfielder was chosen, for the second consecutive matchday, as 'MVP' of the game after another 'masterclass' against a always combative Madrid team. In the 90 minutes, the '8' barely missed 7 of 69 passes (90% accuracy), creating two goal opportunities and with another couple of successful dribbles.

In the first half, in the 24', the Tenerife native set up Raphinha with a pass into space, but the Brazilian's shot was deflected by goalkeeper Batalla. The rebound fell to Robert Lewandowski, who arrived under pressure and could not capitalize to score. Five minutes earlier, Pedri had shone with a great recovery, intercepting a very dangerous counter from De Frutos with a great retreat that allowed him to pass the ball to Szczesny.

The action was a reflection of the '8's game: omnipresent across the field, always ready to lend a hand in recovery and give meaning to the Blaugrana's build-up. Few understand the game like the one from Tegueste, who always seems to have the tempo of the match under control, regardless of the score. On Monday, Rayo was once again a very uncomfortable team for Barça, but Hansi Flick's side found the clarity needed to secure the three points, largely thanks to the great work of the 22-year-old player.

Pedri kept Barça organized during the second half

In the second half, Barça was very close to extending the lead with another magical play from the Canary. In the 54', the midfielder shook off a defender with a feint, breaking down the sideline to filter a pass back that, unfortunately, Lewandowski shot slightly off target as he crossed his shot. Pedri picked up the ball again and Rayo, little by little, lost the momentum they had maintained since the last ten minutes of the first half.

In the 90 minutes, the Tegueste native recovered 9 balls, with 5 duels won out of 7 attempts and one foul drawn. This season he has already surpassed the barrier of 2,700 minutes played, with 35 appearances in the 36 matches played by Barça in all competitions (he has 4 goals and 6 assists). The midfielder only missed the league match against Valencia (1-0) due to a flu-like illness.