Fermin Lopez had praise for team-mate Pedri after scoring the opener in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Getafe in La Liga that saw Hansi Flick’s side their lead at the top of the table to 11 points.

Pedri played a starring role in the game and teed up the first goal for Fermin with a brilliant pass that his team-mate was quick to acknowledge after the final whistle.

“We played well, we competed, and offensively we scored the chances we had,” he told Movistar. “Getafe defends well and in that steal Pedri put in a crazy pass and I was able to score.”

“It was key to control the game, to avoid turnovers so as not to give them transition opportunities. We had to stay focused and the whole team played a great game.”

Lopez dedicated his goal to Lamine Yamal, who will miss the end of the season through injury, and made it clear his team-mate is very much in his thoughts.

“I’m sending Lamine a hug from here. He’s very important to us. The important thing is that he recovers well and is ready for the World Cup,” he added.

The win sees Barca take another step closer to the title, but Fermin insists the Catalans are not getting carried away just yet.

“We know we have a big advantage, but there are still games to play and we can’t relax. It’s a cliché, but it’s the truth. We have to keep this up until we become champions.”