Ronald Araujo’s header gives Barcelona a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou, extending their lead over Real Madrid to seven points.
Ronald Araujo’s header helped Barcelona extend their lead over Real Madrid to seven points at the top of La Liga with a narrow 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
“Araujo nodded home Joao Cancelo’s corner after 24 minutes to secure the three points at Camp Nou,” the report notes.
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia was equally crucial, making several key saves to keep Rayo at bay. Despite Barcelona being caught off guard early, Garcia denied Carlos Martin from close range and produced a spectacular stop to maintain the lead.
Barcelona’s winger Raphinha struggled with finishing, missing multiple chances, while teenage star Lamine Yamal created opportunities with a precise cross for Raphinha. A potential penalty appeal for a foul on Yamal in the area was ignored by the referee.
Araujo, returning from a mental health break late last year, was rewarded with the decisive goal when he started at right-back in Eric Garcia’s absence due to a muscle overload.
“With Eric Garcia rested, Flick started the Uruguayan at right-back and was rewarded with what proved to be the winner.”
Barcelona nearly doubled their lead after the interval, but Yamal’s low shot drifted across the face of goal. Rayo pressed for an equalizer, with Pacha Espino and Unai Lopez coming close, only to be denied by Garcia’s heroics.
The Catalans held on through six minutes of added time to secure a vital three points, keeping them firmly in control at the top of the league.
