Pedri strikes winner over Celta as Barcelona return to top before El Clasico

BARCELONA: Barcelona extended their win streak to seven and returned to the top of the LaLiga table after they edged past Celta Vigo 1-0 on Sunday at Camp Nou.

Barca held off Real Madrid from the top spot on the basis of goal difference as the competition intensified before they face each in the first El Clasico scheduled on October 16 (Sunday).

The two Spanish rivals remain undefeated throughout the season so far as both sides have won seven and drawn one of their opening eight league games.

19-year-old Pedri scored the decider between Barca and Celta Vigo as he netted the ball in the 17th minute after a brilliant cross from Gavi.

The match witnessed a disorganised performance from Xavi’s side as Celta almost had an equalizer when Jorgen Strand Larsen’s header found the back of the nets but the goal was disallowed.

Iago Aspas’ effort to double the lead in the final minutes was also saved brilliantly by Celta’s goalkeeper Ter Stegen.

Meanwhile, in another game on Sunday, Real Sociedad beat Villareal 1-0 at Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastian, with Brais Mendez scoring the winner in the 33rd minute.

At Nuevo Mirandilla, home side Cadiz denied Espanyol their second win of the season, despite a brilliant brace from Joselu, as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, Valladolid and Real Betis finished in a goalless tie at Jose Zorrilla stadium in another LaLiga fixture on Sunday.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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