A brutal match that could win the league: the immediate aftermath of Barça-Rayo

BarcelonaBarça's hard-fought victory against Rayo Vallecano (1-0). The Catalans have made the most of Ronald Araujo's goal. In the first half, Joan Garcia had an inspired performance, preventing four certain goals from Iñigo Pérez's team. Here are some immediate observations.

A scandal. Joan Garcia is the key difference between Flick's first and second Barça sides. Where last year there were two goalkeepers in decline – Ter Stegen and Szczesny – this year there's the best specialist in La Liga. What the man from Sallent did against Rayo was equivalent to scoring a hat trick in the opposing goal. He had asked to be substituted against Newcastle due to discomfort, and not only did he not rest, but he also made a crucial save before the first minute of play had even elapsed. Not content with that, after the restart, with the visitors searching for an equalizer, he flew across the goal to thwart a clear chance for Álvaro García, another point-blank shot from Unai López, and a low, driven effort from De Frutos. Juan is a game-changer. And it's not the first time.

Solutions to stop suffering. Araujo is one of those players that people like. With his exuberant physique and undeniable effort, it's very common for the stands to chant his name every time he makes a noteworthy contribution.Uruguayan, UruguayanThe chant works and spreads more easily than any oral construction about Lamine Yamal, whose name is considerably less singable. Once the mental health problems that sidelined him from the team at the end of 2025 were under control, Araujo once again felt useful to Flick. But in any capacity except center back, which has gone from being his preferred position. charrua to cover the flank or charge the opposing area on fouls, corner kicks and emergency situations.

56,812 spectators is a small number. Barça's third consecutive match at Camp Nou since the reopening of the north stand. They needed to recapture that cauldron-like atmosphere ahead of the decisive stretch of the season. Attendance: 62,000. Not badHowever, in none of the three matches – Sevilla, Newcastle, and Rayo Vallecano – have the official attendance figures exceeded 57,000. That's 5,000 empty seats for what was arguably Barça's most exciting performance of the decade. The fact that some seats with poor visibility aren't being sold is no excuse. Nor does the explanation of the kickoff times hold water. After three matches, the solution seems clear: the general sale prices are too high for members and fans who aren't tourists.

Something's up with Rashford. The situation with the Englishman is somewhat similar to that with Dembélé. They are examples of innate football talent with a tendency to confuse both teammates and opponents. If you lose focus, they can knock you out with two moments of brilliance. And if you get complacent, they can ruin a victory by switching off on a defensive lapse or making the worst possible decision on a counter-attack to kill the game off. Rashford is still capable of appearing in a key Champions League match to tip the scales, but Flick has entered a phase of distrust with him. In the last three matches, he has only played him during the final stages against a Rayo Vallecano side pressing forward in search of Joan Garcia's goal. It's understandable that Laporta and Deco see 30 million euros to sign him outright as too cheap.