ARAUJO STRIKE FIRES BARCELONA SEVEN POINTS CLEAR IN LA LIGA
Read Time:1 Minute, 22 Second
By Aishat Momoh.
FC Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Defender Ronald Araujo scored the decisive goal, heading home a corner from Joao Cancelo in the 24th minute at Camp Nou to seal all three points for the Catalan side.
Despite taking the lead in the first half, Barcelona were made to work for the win, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia delivering a standout performance to deny the visitors on multiple occasions.
Rayo Vallecano started brightly, forcing Garcia into an early save to keep out Carlos Martin, before dominating large spells of the second half in search of an equaliser.
Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, created several chances to extend their lead but were let down by poor finishing, particularly from Raphinha, who missed multiple opportunities.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also came close, dragging an effort wide and later setting up Raphinha with a superb cross that was tipped over by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.
Rayo Vallecano pressed hard in the closing stages, with Garcia producing a string of crucial saves, including efforts from Alvaro Garcia, Unai Lopez, and Jorge de Frutos.
Pacha Espino also missed a golden chance to equalise after breaking through Barcelona’s defensive line but fired over the bar.
Araujo, who recently returned to action after a mental health break, proved the difference as Barcelona held on through six minutes of stoppage time to secure victory.
The result strengthens Barcelona’s title push, while attention now turns to their rivals Real Madrid, who face Atletico Madrid in a crucial derby clash later.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0