Barcelona beats Valencia with Raphinha’s goal and Real drought to open 10 points in Espanyol

In a match valid for the 24th round of the Spanish Championship, Barcelona defeated Valencia 1-0 at the Camp Nou. Raphinha scored the only goal of this Sunday’s match.

The Catalans dominated the game at home, but had a scare when defender Ronald Araújo was sent off in the second half. Even so, the home team showed why they are the best defense in Espanyol and held back Valencia’s attack.

With the victory, Xavi’s charges went to 62 points in 24 games at the top of the league. If Real Madrid loses to Betis this Sunday, the Barcelona will open 10 points of advantage at the top of LaLiga. The team’s next game will be against Athletic Bilbao, on the 12th.

Valencia’s situation in the table remains dramatic. In the relegation zone, the club is in 19th place with 23 points. In the next round, the team receives Osasuna, on Saturday (11).

🚨 FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!! #BarçaValencia pic.twitter.com/8zJ7F5HBZ0

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 5, 2023

The game

As usual, Barcelona tried to impose themselves in the game and control the actions from the beginning of the first half. Soon after 15 minutes, Busquets made a beautiful launch from the middle and Raphinha appeared in the area to touch it with his head, after goalkeeper Mamardashvili, opening the 1-0 on the scoreboard.

In the second half, Barcelona had a golden opportunity to extend the advantage. The referee scored a penalty for the home team after nine minutes, after the ball hit Guillamón’s arm. Ferran Torres tapped, but took too much of the goal. The ball hit the crossbar to Mamardashvili’s right and went over the end line.

Five minutes later, defender Araújo was expelled for holding striker Hugo Duro in a counter-attack by the visitors. Even with one less for a good part of the additional stage, Barcelona retreated and managed to leave without being leaked at Camp Nou.