Barcelona beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to extend their lead in the Spanish league and put more pressure on Real Madrid ahead of a crucial derby with Atlético Madrid later on Sunday.
Ronald Arrajo scored the winning goal with a header in the 24th minute at the Camp Nou, and an impressive performance from Barcelona goalkeeper João Garca showed why he is most likely to represent Spain at the World Cup.
Second-placed Madrid are currently seven points behind Barcelona and cannot afford to fall behind if they host rivals Atlético. After this weekend, nine games remain in the 38-game season.
“Even though it wasn’t our best game, it was important to get the three points,” Garza said. “We needed to win, and now it’s not up to us what the other players do.”
Arrajo curled Ju Cancelo’s corner kick into the far post and jumped over his marker to score.
Rafinha also gave the hosts three chances to score in the first half. He was off target at half-time, forcing goalkeeper Augusto Batala to tip his shot over the bar and straight into the woodwork shortly after Arrajo’s goal.
Garza saved a Carlos Marton shot early in the game, blocked an Unai Lupez header early in the second half and narrowly converted a low shot from Jorge de Frutos in the final minute.
“This is why we signed him,” manager Hansi Flick said of Garza. Barcelona paid crosstown rival Espanyol 25 million euros (currently $28.9 million) for Garza last summer.
Garza was named in Spain’s squad for the first time on Friday ahead of two friendlies as a prelude to this summer’s World Cup.
Araho “feels good” after mental health leave
Alajo was away from soccer from November last year until early January, citing what he said was a bout of depression stemming from a long-term battle with anxiety. Since his return, the Uruguayan defender has had to play wherever he is needed, mainly as a substitute, centre-back or right-back.
His start against Rayo was his first in La Liga since returning from a mental health break.
“Physically, I feel good,” Alajo said after the game, where he replaced the injured Jules Kound.
“Whether I play at center back or right back, I’m always here to help the team,” Arrajo said. “I always felt the support of the Barcelona fans.”
