Barcelona Edges Benfica as Iniesta Hails Pedri’s Standout Performance
Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, overcoming Benfica despite Pau Coparsi’s red card in the 20th minute. With this result, the Catalan side moves closer to the quarter-finals of the European competition, now awaiting the winner of the clash between Lille and Borussia Dortmund.
Following the match, former Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta shared his thoughts on Pedri’s exceptional display. Speaking to Cadena Ser, Iniesta highlighted the young midfielder’s remarkable work rate, noting that despite lacking significant physical strength, Pedri covered an impressive 13 kilometers—more than any other player on the pitch. His relentless movement and determination played a key role in Barcelona’s dominance.
Iniesta praised Pedri’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game, particularly under pressure from Benfica’s aggressive pressing. He emphasized that the Spanish midfielder has been instrumental in Barcelona’s title ambitions this season, showcasing consistency and maturity beyond his years.
To ensure Pedri remains at peak performance, Iniesta advised Barcelona coach Hansi Flick to rest him in the upcoming La Liga fixture against Osasuna. With the team entering a crucial stage of the season, preserving Pedri’s energy could be vital for their success in multiple competitions.
