Three takeaways from Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Barcelona took all three points against Rayo Vallecano in a game where they were far from convincing on Sunday, but managed to keep their spotless record at the Spotify Camp Nou alive in the process.

The Catalans scraped past with a 1-0 win, credit to a goal scored by Ronald Araujo in the 24th minute of the game. They were far from perfect or convincing, but good defence and a spectacular show from Joan Garcia helped get the job done.

With 29 games played in La Liga now, Barcelona sit on 73 points and are four points ahead of Real Madrid, who have 69 to their name.

They will head into the international break confident and on a good run of momentum, albeit knowing full well that a crucial period awaits them after the break.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano.

A bargain game-changer

Barcelona’s win on Sunday afternoon was not the prettiest of performances, and the credit for the same lies mainly with one man on the field – Joan Garcia.

Having arrived in the summer, there was no doubt that the Spanish goalkeeper would be critical for Barcelona’s plans this season, but not many would have seen him turning into such a game-changer.

Once again, Barcelona took all three points largely because of his contributions and stellar show at the back, and he was rightly named the man of the match.

In his 90 minutes on the field, Garcia made four saves to deny Rayo Vallecano, all of which came from inside the box, and even maintain a clean sheet at Spotify Camp Nou. He prevented an xG of 1.51 to put a number to his efficiency.

Given the magnitude of opportunities that he saved, even a single slip-up from Garcia would definitely see the team drop points, and the save he made, especially in the dying minutes of the game, was match-defining.

Understandably lethargic

Not at his sharpest. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick started a largely similar lineup to the team that started against Newcastle United midweek, but the performance was nowhere similar to that level.

The same team that scored seven goals against the Premier League side just days ago looked lethargic, unconvincing, and blunt in attack.

Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski all started, but none looked sharp or creative in front of goal.

The Brazilian perhaps had the best chances of the game, including a 1v1 against the goalkeeper. Yet, he missed all his chances and did not manage to get on the scoreboard.

Lewandowski was active in the buildup and dropped into the midfield as well at times to help in the press. He, too, however, was not convincing in front of goal and did not get into scoring positions, nor did Lamine Yamal or Fermin Lopez.

The fact that Pedri and Marc Bernal also looked fatigued and far from their best summarises the physical state of the team that took to the field yesterday, and it is understandable when one considers the hectic schedule.

Regardless of the performance, however, such 1-0 wins are as important as the dominant ones and it is a positive that Barcelona are learning to take such grinds home.

Into the break with momentum

Perhaps the single most important takeaway for Barcelona from the win over Rayo Vallecano is the fact that they now enter the international break with their lead intact.

Atletico Madrid did not manage to capitalise on Real Madrid’s red card in the derby last night, and Los Blancos thus took all three points, but Barcelona’s lead of four points remains completely intact.

The squad will now break for the final international break ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and several of the squad’s players have been called up for their respective national teams.

While some will have to endure the strain of travel and a couple of games in the coming weeks, others will have the break off to recover from the hectic schedule.

Once the team return from the break, the business end of the season begins with the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and a critical period in La Liga ahead.

Retaining the momentum for such a crucial run of games, needless to say, is priceless.