Barcelona 1-0 Valencia: Xavi's side survive again with narrow win
The goal was bagged by Raphinha, who headed home in the 16th minute
It wasn't pretty again, but Barca won, again.
Raphinha's header helped the Catalans to a narrow win over Ruben Baraja's struggling Valencia at Camp Nou, and the team was left scrapping for their lives after Ronald Araujo's red card before the hour mark.
Ferran Torres missed a penalty too and it left Barca in a tough spot, but they earned the three points.
Barcelona were without the suspended Gavi, who joined the injured Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele, and like in their Copa win over Real Madrid, they were not able to shine.
It started well enough, with Sergio Busquets chipping a ball into the area for Raphinha to nod home, a la his goal against Osasuna.
The Brazilian was Barcelona's brightest spot, creating danger, including a cross which Ansu Fati could not convert.
In the second half Barca had the chance to go 2-0 up when Hugo Guillamon handled, but Ferran Torres hit the post from the penalty spot.
The Spaniard had taken the ball and Ansu went up to him, arguing that he should take the penalty.
Then disaster struck, with Ronald Araujo tugging down Hugo Duro after Jules Kounde's poor header sent the Valencia forward through.
Araujo was sent off and he will miss the trip to face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
But Barca will face that at worst seven points clear at the top of the table. They moved 10 points above Madrid, who face Betis later Sunday, holding on without Araujo to take the three points.
