The China Mail - Araujo header scrapes Liga leaders Barcelona win over Rayo

Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid, fourth, later on in a derby clash.

Araujo nodded home Joao Cancelo's corner after 24 minutes to secure the three points at Camp Nou but goalkeeper Joan Garcia's superb display played just as big a part in their victory.

"We knew how important it was to get this win before the international break, we did it, but it's true we suffered more than we would have liked," Garcia told DAZN.

"They knew how to cause us damage and we weren't at the level we have been with the ball above all.

"We knew we had to win and what the other teams do is not up to us."

Hansi Flick's side were caught snoozing in the opening stages but Garcia made a fine save to deny Carlos Martin from close range.

Called up by Luis de la Fuente to the Spanish national team for the first time ahead of March's upcoming friendlies, Garcia made several excellent saves to keep Rayo at bay, with the Madrid side dominant in the second half.

At the other end, Raphinha was guilty of profligate finishing on numerous occasions. The winger scuffed wide after picking Pathe Ciss's pocket and charging through on goal.

A few minutes later Ciss appeared to bring down teenage star Lamine Yamal in the area but the Barcelona player's appeals were ignored by the referee.

Yamal's superb cross, with the outside of his boot, created another fine chance for Raphinha but the Brazilian's mis-hit effort was tipped over by Augusto Batalla.

The champions took the lead through Araujo's header from Joao Cancelo's corner midway through the first half.

Araujo has not featured much since taking a mental health break late last year, but came on as a substitute in Barca's 7-2 Champions League rout of Newcastle in midweek.

With Eric Garcia rested following a muscle overload, Flick started the Uruguayan at right-back and was rewarded with what proved to be the winner.

"I feel very good, physically well, it's important that I can help the team," said Araujo.

"I'm in a good rhythm, working hard to be able to support where I have to, I'm always ready to help the team."

- Barca cling on -

The Catalans came close to a second after the interval but Yamal dragged a low effort across the face of goal.

Inigo Perez's Rayo took control and started generating dangerous chances as they searched for an equaliser.

Joan Garcia denied Alvaro Garcia and then produced a spectacular save to push away Unai Lopez's header.

Pacha Espino should have pulled the visitors level but, after beating Barca's high defensive line and staying onside, curled over the bar.

Garcia pushed away a Jorge de Frutos drive before six minutes of stoppage time were added but Barca clung on to triumph.

"This is why we bought him," said Flick. "I know how important he is and how (important) his performance today was."

The Barca coach had lots of praise for Rayo coach Perez after his team's impressive display.

"We didn't play our best game but we have to say Rayo played a fantastic game, congrats -- Inigo made a fantastic job," added Flick.

"His team played really great football, a great style, it's really amazing to see this and I'm really happy for him."

Perez's side are 14th and fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone while also playing in the UEFA Conference League.

"The second half was perfect but we lacked the goal," Perez. "(Joan Garcia) appeared in the key moments when we might have been able to draw."

Later on, Alaves produced a sensational comeback from three goals down to beat Celta Vigo 4-3. Quique Sanchez Flores's team climbed to 16th, three points above the relegation zone.

Ferran Jutgla struck either side of Hugo Alvarez's goal as Celta, sixth, racked up a seemingly comfortable lead.

However, Toni Martinez pulled one back before the interval to spark Alaves's comeback.

Angel Perez added another before Martinez scored again to level and Abde Rebbach cut in from the left and fired home to claim a memorable victory for the visitors.

C.Smith--ThChM