Barcelona went into the game on the back of a three straight draws in all competitions, a run that prompted manager Ernesto Valverde to name a strong line-up against 15th placed Real Valladolid. Ousmane Dembele made his first start since picking up an injury against Leganes on January 20, while Lionel Messi started on the right-wing. Kevin Prince Boateng was the side's surprise inclusion - he formed the spearhead of the Catalans' attacking trident.
After an opening 40 minutes devoid of action, the game burst into life when Messi twisted and turned on the edge of the area before sending a deflected shot inches wide of the post. One minute later his side had earned a penalty - Gerard Pique was bundled over as he made a rare foray into the Valladolid box. Replays showed contact had been minimal, and Valladolid's players complained accordingly. This was of little consequence, however, as Messi calmly converted from the spot.
Chances flowed from the off as the second half got underway, with the visitors almost equalising through Sergi Guardiola before ex-Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip saved spectacularly from Messi. Barcelona's no.10 was having an eventful match even by his standards, and minutes later was booked for dissent when he was brought down on the edge of the are and no foul was given.
Boateng then missed a couple of chances before being subsitituted for Luis Suarez, who himself was guilty of being wasteful in front of goal. Twice Messi teed him up perfectly, and twice he missed horrendously from six yards out. Valladolid continued to threaten, and there was a growing feeling among the home fans at the Camp Nou that their side could be made to pay for their profligacy.
And match's most shocking moment came five minutes before the end, when substitute Philippe Coutinho played a couple of one-twos with former Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez before being sliced down by Kiko Olivas in the area. A penalty was given, which Messi stepped up to take.
To the surprise of everybody watching, his low shot was parried away by Masip, who got up in time to save Messi's header on the rebound. The Argentine was not made to pay for his miss, however, as Barcelona held on to secure a 1-0 victory.
The Catalans go seven points clear at the top of La Liga; a lead which could be sliced to six if third-placed Real Madrid win tomorrow lunchtime. Real Valladolid remain in a precarious position, and currently lie just three points clear of the drop zone.