Barcelona displayed strength and enthusiasm against Rayo Vallecano, claims Pedro

The winger is delighted by the manner in which his side bounced back from their recent disappointments, and added the team hope to lift the Copa del Rey for Pep Guardiola

Pedro says Barcelona's 7-0 demolition of Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday is a reminder to their doubters that his club are not a spent force and will only get stronger as the season draws to a close.

The Blaugrana endured a week to forget after they were beaten by Real Madrid in the Clasico last weekend to all but hand the Liga title to the Blancos, while they were knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea at the semi-final stage.

The announcement of Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of the campaign has only increased the consensus that Barca's period of dominance may be coming to an end, but Pedro insists their seven-goal haul against Rayo was just what was needed.

"After a week, we are still a little sad about our elimination from the Champions League and the match against Real Madrid, but this victory shows that the team still exhibits strength and enthusiasm," said Pedro after the game.

"We are playing with rhythm and confidence again. I'm happy about the result."

Pedro also vowed that his team-mates will try to win the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao on May 25 as a form of repayment for their outgoing coach, and hailed Lionel Messi for his double against the league strugglers.

"We will prepare properly for the end of the season and try to win the Copa del Rey as a parting gift for Guardiola and the fans.

"Messi has once again proved to be the best goalscorer around and he deserves this recognition."

Barcelona will continue to be competitive under Vilanova, affirms Guardiola after beating Rayo Vallecano

The 41-year-old is confident that the good times will continue to roll at Camp Nou when he passes the reins onto his assistant, while he also commented on Sunday's resounding win

Pep Guardiola has assured Barcelona fans that the club will continue to enjoy success under coach in-elect Tito Vilanova next season after their 7-0 mauling of Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The Blaugrana boss announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the campaign with his assistant being immediately confirmed as his successor, and after the match against Rayo Vallecano, he stated his belief that the team will only realise their vast potential under his right-hand man.

"This team is young, Tito knows the players well and I'm confident that Barcelona will continue to be competitive [under him]," he told the press.

"I'm grateful for all the praise in response to my departure, although I didn't pass away. I'll still be around."

Guardiola then reacted to the goal celebration initiated by Thiago Alcantara and Dani Alves in the aftermath of the fifth goal scored by Barca, and apologised for the incident which some Rayo fans took offence to.

"We, as a club, apologise for the celebration, as it did not reflect the attitude of Barca players. It won't happen again," he said.

However, the former Spain midfielder ended on a positive note, as he was full of praise for second-string goalkeeper Jose Pinto and winger Pedro, who made an emphatic return to form with a double against the Liga strugglers, as well as a further two assists to his name.

"If Pinto doesn't get injured, he'll play in the Copa del Rey final," he continued. "He helped us to get to the final for the third time in four years."

"I am also very happy with Pedro's performance. He is one of my favourite players as we started out together in the fourth division."

Barcelona remain seven points behind Real Madrid at the Liga summit with three matches remaining.