FC Barcelona tightens grip on top spot in La Liga

A goal from Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo secured the victory, taking the Catalan side to 73 points ahead of Real Madrid’s highly anticipated clash with neighbours Atlético Madrid later in the round. Barcelona are also set to face Atlético, currently fourth, in their next fixture.

The defeat marked Rayo Vallecano’s first league loss since 2 January 2026, ending a six-match unbeaten run in which they recorded two wins and four draws. They remain on 32 points in 14th place, having recently celebrated reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals earlier in the week.