Barcelona midfielder Pedri was delighted to mark his injury comeback in the vital 1-0 success over Atletico Madrid on Sunday afternoon.
The midfielder has missed over two months of action since injuring his hamstring against Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs.
He was expected to return to training but suffered a series of injury setbacks which stretched his time on the sidelines.
However, the 20-year-old returned to action after replacing goalscorer Ferran Torres in the 61st minute to help Xavi Hernandez’s side see off the challenge from Atletico and hold on to their one-goal lead.
Speaking after the game, the midfielder said he was happy to be back in action.
“I am very happy for the return to the field, which is where I enjoy – and for the victory,” Pedri said (via Mundo Deportivo).
“On the pitch, you can control your nerves because you try, fight and leave your skin, but when you are away, you can’t do anything, and you suffer more.
“The whole team has taken the game as a final. It was a very important game and against a great rival who had not lost for a long time. There is always enthusiasm for the title, but there are eight games left.”
Barca had endured a three-game winless run which included being knocked out of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.
The Blaugranas then played out goalless draws against Girona and Getafe, allowing Madrid to cut their lead at the La Liga summit to eight points.
However, Torres latched on to Raphinha’s pass and curled a low effort past Jan Oblak in the Atletico goal to end their winless run and re-establish an 11-point advantage at the top of the table.
Torres has endured a troubled campaign at Barca this season, with the former Manchester City man struggling for form and game time.
But Pedri acknowledged his efforts and praised his compatriot for making a telling contribution to the match.
“Ferri is a player who works a lot,” Pedri added. “There are things that people don’t see, and he deserves the goal because he is a great person.”
Xavi’s side take on Rayo Vallecano next and will hope to stretch their lead even further, with Madrid waiting to pounce on any slip-ups from the runaway leaders.
