It was the perfect opportunity to widen the gap on Real Madrid, who face Atlético this evening. Indeed, Barça hosted Rayo Vallecano for a crucial match in the title race this Sunday, on the 29th day of La Liga. Facing the 14th in the championship, Hansi Flick lined up a very competitive eleven, close to the one that crushed Newcastle (7-2) in the middle of the week to validate qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. In attack, Lewandowski was accompanied by Raphinha on the left, Lamine Yamal on the right and Fermín López in number 10, while the Bernal-Pedri duo animated the midfield. Good news also for Barça with the presence of Joan García in goal, finally fit after his injury exit. Opposite, Rayo Vallecano was looking to bounce back after its defeat (1-0) against Samsunspor in C4, despite its qualification.
From the start, Rayo Vallecano appeared dangerous, forcing Joan García into a big save from the 2nd minute on a rebound from Martín. Barça reacted quickly, but Raphinha missed his face-to-face after recovering a high ball (13th). The Catalans then took control of the game. In the 23rd minute, Lamine Yamal sent a very dangerous cross towards the far post, without success for Raphinha, while Batalla had to intervene to prevent the opener. Barça ended up making its highlights come true: on a corner taken by Cancelo in the 24th minute, Ronald Araujo won in the air against Ciss to catapult the ball into the back of the net (1-0). In the process, Raphinha almost made the break, but his shot was pushed back onto the bar by an excellent Batalla. Barça returned to the locker room with a score of 1-0.
Barça’s good operation
In the second half, Hansi Flick decided to replace Lewandowski with Ferran Torres. Barça then controlled the tempo without really trying to score a second goal. In the 56th minute, Lamine Yamal attempted an individual feat with a nice breakthrough into the opponent’s area, weaving between defenders before striking, but his attempt ultimately ended up going off target. Then the visitors almost equalized in the 62nd minute. Well launched into the area, the new arrival, Álvaro García, created a big chance, but Joan García remained vigilant by diverting a powerful shot for a corner. Enough to scare the Camp Nou, which even pushed to encourage a Barça that was far too timid.
Raphinha completely missed the opportunity to double the lead in the 81st, despite having managed to dribble past the Rayo goalkeeper. Moments later, Espino wasted his team’s best chance, his close-range shot flying over the target. Until the end of the match, Barça did not show their best face, but was able to provide the essentials by maintaining their one-goal advantage throughout the second half. The Barcelonars seemed slightly worn out physically, which can be explained after their big match in the Champions League. With this good result, FC Barcelona carried out a great operation and put pressure on the Merengues, temporarily counting 7 points ahead of their Madrid runner-up. For its part, Rayo Vallecano remains positioned in a modest 14th place in the La Liga standings. Note that Hansi Flick’s men will go to Madrid to face Atlético next Saturday.
