Barca stay in title hunt after Las Palmas win

Barcelona edged a step closer to the La Liga summit after Raphinha’s second-half header secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday. The Brazilian winger’s fifth league goal of the season ultimately proved decisive as the Catalans capitalised on Las Palmas’ numerical disadvantage.

Las Palmas goalkeeper Álvaro Valles was controversially dismissed just before the half-hour mark for a high challenge on Raphinha. Despite enjoying a lion’s share of possession, Barcelona struggled to fashion clear-cut openings against the well-drilled visitors in the opening period. Robert Lewandowski struck the crossbar with a header shortly before the interval.

After the restart, substitute João Félix injected impetus with an inviting delivery that Raphinha emphatically headed home on 59 minutes. Félix went agonisingly close to doubling the lead, rattling the woodwork from close range as Barcelona pushed for a cushion.

The solitary strike, however, sufficed for Xavi’s men to eke out three valuable points, nudging them within five points of league leaders Real Madrid. For Las Palmas, a third consecutive loss leaves them perilously positioned in 12th.

Barcelona’s seventh successive league victory sets up an enticing race to the finish alongside third-placed Girona as action intensifies after the March international break.