With their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions, the Blaugrana raised their tally to 43 points, seven ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid, who visit Alavés on Sunday as they seek to put recent setbacks behind them.
Raphinha scored both goals for the Catalan giants in the second half (70th and 86th minutes).
Barcelona defender Gerard Martín told Movistar: “This win is very important. They were well organised and it was difficult to find a way through. With patience and a lot of possession, we finally succeeded.”
He added: “Keeping a clean sheet gives the team stability, and then the goals always come.”
Atletico regain balance
Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over visitors Valencia.
Koke (17) and substitute Frenchman Antoine Griezmann (74) scored Atletico’s goals, while fellow substitute, Argentine Lucas Beltrán, netted for Valencia (63).
Atletico moved up to 34 points in fourth place, while Valencia remained on 15 points in 16th position.
The win followed back-to-back domestic defeats for the Rojiblancos against Barcelona (3–1) and Athletic Bilbao (1–0), before their continental response with a 3–2 victory over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in the sixth round of the UEFA Champions League.
The capital club has now gone 17 home matches unbeaten against Valencia, recording 13 wins and four draws.
