Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou.
The decisive moment came in the 24th minute when defender Ronald Araújo headed in from a corner delivered by João Cancelo.
Despite the win, Barcelona had an early scare. Rayo nearly took the lead in the opening minute when Carlos Martín found himself with a close-range opportunity, but Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García reacted quickly to deny him.
Barcelona dominated possession but created limited clear chances. Raphinha came closest to doubling the lead in the first half, but his deflected shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.
In the second half, Joan García produced a key save to deny Unai López from close range, keeping Barcelona ahead. Late in the match, Pacha Espino fired over the bar as Rayo pushed for an equaliser.
The result moves Barcelona seven points clear at the top of La Liga, increasing pressure on title rivals Real Madrid, who face Atlético Madrid later.
Looking ahead, Barcelona—under coach Hansi Flick—will face Atlético Madrid after the international break and again in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, making upcoming fixtures crucial in both domestic and European competitions.
