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Barca missed a string of chances against a dogged Sevilla at Camp Nou before the 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 as they backed 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 that only a few months ago had serious concerns about missing out on the top four. When Xavi took over in November, they lay ninth.
The last time the Catalans were second in LaLiga 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 LaLiga, we will keep fighting."
Ousmane Dembele delivered another excellent to display to enhance the growing sense that the Frenchman might yet stay in the summer, even if the club remain pessimistic.
Pedri, though, was the star of the show, a stunning performance in midfield rounded off with a masterful goal that will only further the reputation of one of the world's most exciting young talents.
"I encourage him to shoot," said Xavi. "He always thinks to pass, he's a passer, it's something that happened to me as well. But today he scored a great goal.
"When I say he's an elite player, it's because there is hardly anyone that understands our style as well as him."
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