(CNN)Barcelona is now firmly on course to win its first major title since Lionel Messi's departure, as Sunday's 1-0 victory over Villarreal extended the team's lead over eternal rival Real Madrid to 11 points at the top of La Liga.
Pedri scored the game's only goal in the 18th minute to secure Barça's sixth consecutive league win, a run that has coincided with Real's stuttering domestic form.
Carlo Ancelotti's men -- who were away in Morocco last week winning the Club World Cup -- have managed just two wins from their last five La Liga matches and will attempt to close the gap on their rival when they return to league action against Elche on Wednesday.
Renowned around the world for having played beautiful football over the years, the Azulgrana have this season often found a new way to win.
Barcelona is now on a run of six straight league wins.