Barcelona to 'keep fighting' for La Liga title after climbing to second with Sevilla win

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said the club will "keep fighting" for the title after moving up to second in La Liga with a 1-0 win over Sevilla on Sunday.

A wonder-goal from Pedri proved the difference at Camp Nou as the victory saw Barca leapfrog Sevilla, behind only rivals Real Madrid in the league standings.

Barca missed a string of chances against a dogged Sevilla before 19-year-old Pedri settled the contest with a moment of magic, dancing his way into space on the edge of the area before firing into the corner.

Victory continues Barcelona's recent surge under Xavi, backing up their 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid before the international break with a convincing win against the team who have been Madrid's chief title challengers all season.

Madrid edged past Celta Vigo on Saturday to calm suggestions their clasico nightmare could even prompt a late collapse and let Barca back into the race.

A 12-point advantage means that is surely impossible now but Barcelona are in the driving seat to finish second, which would be a remarkable achievement for a team which only a few months ago had serious concerns about missing out on the top four. When Xavi took over in November, Barca lay ninth.

The last time the Catalans were second in La Liga after a complete round of fixtures was May 10 last year, three matches before the end of last season.

"We're second but nothing is done," Xavi said. "While it's mathematically possible to fight for La Liga, we will keep fighting."

Ousmane Dembele delivered another excellent to display to enhance the growing the sense that the Frenchman might yet stay in the summer, even if the club remain pessimistic.

BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 7. Little to do in first half. Saved