Barcelona midfielder Pedri has expressed his delight and sense of comfort in playing in a traditional number 8 role, a departure from his usual advanced position. In a post-match interview with Barca Blaugranes, Pedri spoke about his performance in the 3-0 win over Stade Brestois in the UEFA Champions League, stating that he felt “very good” and “very comfortable” playing further back with more contact with the ball.
Pedri’s 88-minute performance was impressive, with him completing 84 out of 93 passes, recording a high success rate of 90%, and winning 12 out of 14 ground duels. He also made three tackles and completed all of his four dribble attempts, according to SofaScore. Pedri’s all-around performance earned him praise from his teammates and coaches, although he humbly refused to accept the MVP award, stating that it should go to someone from his team.
When asked about his contract situation with Barcelona, Pedri remained tight-lipped, stating that he didn’t know anything about the rumors surrounding his future. However, he reassured that he is doing well with the Blaugrana and will discuss his contract with his agent. Pedri’s current contract is set to expire in 2026, and the club has been linked to a new deal that would keep him at the Camp Nou until 2030.
The victory over Brest marked a significant rebound for Barcelona, who had suffered a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad in LaLiga before the international break and a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo on the previous weekend. The comfortable win saw Barcelona take 76% possession and attempt 19 shots, with eight on target, as compared to Brest’s two total shots and none on target. The Blaugrana moved up to second place in the Champions League table, just a point behind leaders Inter Milan.
Pedri’s performance was just one aspect of the team’s impressive outing, with Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo also finding the back of the net. The win demonstrated Barcelona’s ability to adapt to different formations and opponents, with Pedri’s versatility proving particularly valuable. As the season continues, fans and coaches alike will be eager to see how Pedri and his teammates navigate the challenges ahead and build on this promising outcome.
In the match, Barcelona’s dominance was evident from the start, with Pedri controlling the midfield and providing quality distribution to his teammates. His ability to pick out passes and create scoring opportunities was a key factor in the team’s success, and his willingness to track back and defend was impressive. Pedri’s partnership with Barcelona’s other midfielders, including Frenkie de Jong and Busquets, was particularly effective, as they were able to work together to control the tempo of the game.
The victory over Brest was a much-needed boost for Barcelona, who had been struggling for form in recent weeks. The team’s ability to adapt to different opponents and formations was evident once again, and Pedri’s versatility was a key factor in their success. As the season continues, Barcelona will be looking to build on this momentum and challenge for the top spot in the Champions League table.
Pedri’s goal for Barcelona is clear: to win silverware and make a strong impact in the Champions League. With his current contract set to expire in 2026, Pedri will be focused on extending his stay at the club and leading them to success on the biggest stage. The 22-year-old is already an essential part of the Barcelona team, and his performances are likely to be closely monitored as the season progresses. As the Blaugrana look to build on their recent win, Pedri will be crucial in midfield, providing creativity, control, and defensive solidity.
