Robert Lewandowski scored two more goals, increasing his league-leading total to 12, as Barcelona defeated Sevilla 5-1, putting them three points ahead of Real Madrid before next weekend’s “clasico.”
Pedri and Pablo Torre also contributed goals for Barcelona, which regained its lead in La Liga just a day after Real Madrid won 2-1 against Celta Vigo.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi returned to action in the 83rd minute, coming on for Pedri, nearly a year after suffering a serious knee injury.
“I had been dreaming about this moment for several months,” Gavi said. “It’s tough to watch from the outside. I have to enjoy every moment. I feel very lucky to be here today.”
Barcelona will face Madrid on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Both teams have Champions League matches midweek, with Madrid hosting Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and Barcelona welcoming Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
“This was an important win considering the matches that we have ahead,” Pedri said. “We had to leave with a good feeling and the three points.”
Lewandowski scored twice in the first half, first with a penalty kick in the 24th minute and then from close range in the 39th minute.
The Polish striker had just scored a hat trick against Alaves in the last league match and netted two goals in the team’s victory over Young Boys in the Champions League. He now has 14 goals in 11 matches across all competitions this season.
Lewandowski, who received applause when he was substituted in the 65th minute, almost scored his third goal against Sevilla in a one-on-one chance during the first half.
Pedri scored a beautiful goal with a curling shot from outside the box in the 28th minute, while Torre added to the scoreline with a goal from inside the box in the 82nd minute and a free kick in the 88th minute. Raphinha had a goal in the 49th minute called back for offside.
Barcelona has outscored its league opponents 33-10 this season.
Sevilla, which did not have any shots on target in the first half, managed to score its only goal in the 87th minute with 19-year-old substitute Stanis Idumbo.
Barcelona also welcomed back Lamine Yamal, who had missed time due to a muscle strain he suffered while with Spain’s national team during the international break.
Defender Eric García pulled a muscle during the team’s warmup and did not play.
