Luis Suarez was delighted to score his first league goal for Barcelona, but claimed the victory was more important.
Suarez had scored twice in the Champions League but, before the 5-0 win over Cordoba on Saturday, the 27-year-old had yet to find the net in the Primera Division following his summer move from Liverpool.
The Uruguayan did not make his debut until late October because of a four-month ban for biting, but had played seven matches without finding the net.
“I did break my duck but it was more important for the team to get the three points. Now we need to get some rest and start thinking about our next matches,” Suarez told the club’s website.
“I know I am a striker and I have to score goals, but I was sure that with my team-mates’ help I’d eventually get one.
“I wasn’t obsessed with it because I knew I was helping the team to get good results. Of course it’s always important to get goals in the league, but I wasn’t panicking.”
Pedro gave Luis Enrique’s side a second minute lead before Suarez doubled Barca’s advantage after 53 minutes. Pique made it three after 80 minutes before Lionel Messi grabbed a late brace.
With Real Madrid competing in the Club World Cup, it was the ideal opportunity for the Catalans to close the gap on the leaders.
And following their emphatic win, Barcelona are just a point off Real having played a game more heading into the winter break.
However, for Pedro it was a case of what might have been after they could only draw 0-0 with Getafe last weekend.
“It’s a shame we drew with Getafe last week, but we are happy with this win. Next year we have to try to compete as hard as possible and get as high up the table as we can,” he said.
“I am happy to be scoring, the goals always come in the end. I’m comfortable with my team-mates, working hard, and training to win more confidence and get to play more”.
“I don’t think it was harder for us in the first half, but they were more tired in the second and the pace was slower. We didn’t stop creating chances all game.
“Perhaps the situation should be different. We played well against Getafe but couldn’t get the win. It was different this time and we’re happy with the win because it was not as easy as the scoreline might suggest.”