WATCH: Ronald Araujo heads Barcelona in front against Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona moved a step closer to opening a seven-point gap over Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga by breaking the deadlock against Rayo Vallecano after 24 frenetic minutes at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The contest began at break-neck speed. Rayo were inches from an early lead when Carlos Martin met a swift move, only to be denied by a superb reflex save from home goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Within moments, the pendulum swung: Raphinha raced clear on the counter, but the Brazilian dragged his one-on-one effort wide of the target.

Those let-offs appeared to jolt the hosts into life. On 24 minutes, Joao Cancelo arced an inviting corner toward the back post, where Ronald Araujo rose highest to power a downward header past the stranded keeper. The goal was met by a roar of relief as much as celebration, coming as it did from a player who had been rated doubtful before kick-off after reporting muscle discomfort.

For Araujo, the strike offered personal redemption in a campaign he will otherwise want to forget, and it leaves Barcelona 1-0 up on the night, poised to extend their cushion at the top to seven points should the result hold.