Pedro Rodriguez netted a brace as champions Barcelona started 2011 with a nervy 2-1 home win over Levante yesterday to move five points clear of Real Madrid at the Spanish first division summit.

Pedro struck on 47 and 59 minutes to clinch an 11th successive league victory for Barca and Real must now defeat derby rivals Getafe tonight to move back to within two points of their bitter rivals.

Brazilian Dani Alves set up the opener for Pedro, feigning to shoot twice before laying the ball back for the forward to drill home Barcelona’s first goal of the new year two minutes after the break.

Alves was the provider for the second goal as well, teeing up Pedro to swerve his shot into the corner.

It was a special game for Spanish World Cup winner Xavi, who equalled Barcelona’s all-time appearance record. The 30-year-old playmaker made his 549th outing to draw level with legendary centre-back Migueli.

Barcelona got the perfect start in the second half, however, as Pedro scored two minutes after the restart.

Pedro made it four goals in his last two games with his second, curling a fine shot into the left-hand side of the goal just before the hour.

Christian Stuani gave Barca a late scare by brilliantly volleying home on 80 minutes but Barcelona survived a tense final 10 minutes to take the points.

Their next match is against Athletic Bilbao tomorrow in the second leg of their King’s Cup last 16 tie, with the first leg at Camp Nou having finished 0-0.

Results: Ath. Bilbao vs Deportivo 1-2; Barcelona vs Levante 2-1; S. Gijon vs Malaga 1-2; Sevilla vs Osasuna 1-0.