Barcelona forward Pedro believes that his side’s intense start was key to their 9-0 victory over Hospitalet on Thursday night in the second leg of the Copa del Rey round of 32.
Despite only winning 1-0 in the first leg, Barca ran out nine-goal winners at Camp Nou, and the 24-year-old feels that their opponents’ resilient performance at the Estadio Feixa Llarga was key to their big victory in the second leg.
“We started off intensely, we knew it would be difficult because of how the away game went,” Pedro told Barca TV.
“The fact that we scored early made it easier, from that point on we were more comfortable.”
Pedro, who has found his first team chances limited by a troublesome ankle injury, is confident that he is returning to fitness and improving with each game.
“I feel better every day, I’m getting more rhythm and confidence. I hope to start next year at 100 per cent.
“There’s a lot of competition, there are players who are doing really well. It’s great for the group.”
Barcelona start 2012 with the Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Osasuna on January 3/4 and resume their Liga title defence on January 7/8 with a Catalan derby at city rivals Espanyol.