Barcelona grind out slim win as Rayo Vallecano push them to edge

La Liga leaders FC Barcelona survived a late scare to secure a nervy 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.

It was far from a comfortable outing for Barcelona, who needed a first-half strike from Ronald Araújo to seal all three points and maintain their grip at the top of La Liga.

Araújo struck in the 24th minute, converting from close range after a well-delivered assist by João Cancelo, giving the hosts an early advantage that ultimately proved decisive.

But the game quickly turned into a tense battle, with Rayo Vallecano refusing to back down. The visitors dominated large spells of the second half and came close to snatching an equaliser on multiple occasions.

Barcelona’s goalkeeper Joan García emerged as the unlikely hero, producing a series of crucial saves to deny efforts from Alvaro Garcia and Unai Lopez, while also keeping out a late attempt from Jorge de Frutos.

The pressure mounted in the closing stages as Hansi Flick watched anxiously from the touchline, his side struggling to regain control of the match.

Rayo Vallecano’s persistence nearly paid off when Pacha Espino’s curling effort narrowly missed the top corner, while a flurry of corners and attacks kept the Barcelona defence on edge deep into stoppage time.

Barcelona also suffered a late setback as Cancelo was forced off with an injury, adding to the tension in an already nervy finish.

Despite the shaky performance, the win extends Barcelona’s lead over second-placed Real Madrid to seven points, strengthening their position in the title race.

However, the result will raise concerns for Flick, whose side looked vulnerable under sustained pressure and relied heavily on their goalkeeper to see out the victory.