In a vital LaLiga match, Barcelona maintained their lead in the title race, preventing Real Madrid from closing the gap, with Ronald Araújo netting the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Araújo scored with a header from a corner in the 24th minute at the Nou Camp, securing a win for a Barcelona side that had netted 12 goals in their previous two outings.
Key to the clean sheet was an outstanding performance from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García, who thwarted multiple chances from Rayo, especially in the second half.
Barcelona’s victory allowed them to pull seven points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who are set to face Atletico on Sunday, while Rayo Vallecano stayed four points clear of the relegation zone.
Rayo had an early opportunity to take the lead when Pep Chavarría found Carlos Martín, yet he failed to lift the ball over García from close range.
Rayo also narrowly escaped punishment when Raphinha was gifted a one-on-one opportunity but shot wide. Ten minutes later, he squandered another chance from a great Lamine Yamal assist, mis-hitting the ball towards goal where Augusto Batalla managed to tip it over the bar.
Barcelona broke the deadlock from a João Cancelo corner, where Araújo, once again positioned at right-back, outjumped defenders to head in off the inside of the right post into the bottom corner.
Raphinha came close to adding a second for Barcelona with a long-range effort and a later deflected shot that required a significant save from Batalla to keep it 1-0, even after a brief Rayo resurgence before halftime.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made his first substitution after the break, bringing on Ferran Torres for Robert Lewandowski.
Yamal shot wide after a strong run just before the hour, followed by Rayo substitute Álvaro García forcing a significant save from Joan García with a powerful attempt.
The Barça goalkeeper punched away the subsequent corner and then made another crucial save from Unai López, another Rayo sub, who tried to score with a header from that set-piece.
Barcelona remained on edge with only a single goal separating them, as Raphinha intercepted Batalla’s attempted pass, but his attempt to assist a teammate was blocked.
Rayo’s substitute Alfonso Espino failed to capitalize on a late equalizer opportunity, his hurried shot going off-target.
García was once again key in the final moments, denying Jorge de Frutos with a well-timed save, followed by another from a set-piece, ultimately leading to a sigh of relief for Flick when the final whistle indicated a close victory.