Barcelona did what champions do on a Sunday afternoon at the Spotify Camp Nou — they ground it out, kept a clean sheet, and moved seven points clear at the top of La Liga before Real Madrid had even kicked off their Derbi against Atlético.
The only goal came in the 24th minute. A João Cancelo corner from the right was met by Ronald Araújo, who powered a header into the net. A centre-back delivering the decisive moment. It was enough.
The match was far from easy. Rayo Vallecano were true to their word that they would not be intimidated, pressing high and exploiting Barcelona's high defensive line from the first minute. In fact, it was Rayo who almost scored inside the opening minute — Carlos Martín latching onto an error and forcing Joan García into an important early save.
García was the real hero of the afternoon. His most important contribution came when Jorge De Frutos found himself clean through on goal in the second half with the score at 1-0 — a chance that could have changed everything. García came out quickly, spread himself and made the save. The Camp Nou exhaled.
There was one concern heading into the international break: João Cancelo, the assist provider for the only goal, limped off in the 90th minute replaced by teenager Xavi Espart. The nature of his injury is not yet known. With Alejandro Balde already injured and Jules Koundé still sidelined, the timing is worrying. It will be monitored closely over the next two weeks.
Barcelona go into the break first in La Liga on 73 points. Their lead over Real Madrid is seven points — pending the result of Sunday evening's Derbi at the Bernabéu.
