Barcelona edges Rayo Vallecano to increase pressure on Real Madrid ahead of capital derby

By Canadian Press on March 22, 2026.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to increase its lead of the Spanish league and add more pressure on Real Madrid before its key derby against Atletico Madrid later Sunday.

Ronald Araújo headed in the winner in the 24th minute at Camp Nou, and Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García’s impressive performance showed why he is most likely heading to the World Cup with Spain.

Second-place Madrid now trails Barcelona by seven points and can ill afford a slip when it hosts city rival Atletico.

Araújo jumped over his marker and scored after João Cancelo’s corner to the far post.

Raphinha came close on three occasions to also scoring for the hosts in the first half. He shot wide on the break, forced goalkeeper Augusto Batalla to tip a shot over the bar, and hit the woodwork shortly after Araújo’s goal.

García saved a shot by Carlos Martín in the game’s opening minute, blocked Unai López’s header early in the second half and got just enough on a low strike from Jorge de Frutos in the final moments to push it wide.

García was included in Spain’s squad for the first time on Friday ahead of two friendly matches which will serve as warmups for this summer’s World Cup.

Araújo stepped away from soccer from last November to early January because of what he said was a bout of depression caused by a longer struggle with anxiety. Since his return, the Uruguay defender has had to fill in where needed, mostly as a substitute, at center back or as a right back.

His start against Rayo was his first in La Liga since returning to action following his break to care for his mental health.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press