Barcelona headed in at half-time with a crucial 1-0 lead in La Liga over rivals Atletico Madrid.
The two sides are battling it out in Catalonia for the right to lead the top rankings in early 2025, with Barcelona only ahead on goal difference before kick-off.
The hosts created the better chances in the opening stages, with Los Rojiblancos keeping them at bay until the 30th minute.
Midfielder Pedri's drive-run from deep split the visitors' backline as he connected with Gavi on the edge of the penalty area before calmly rolling home the opening goal.
A win for Barcelona will see them start the new year at the top of La Liga and they have a dominant recent home record against Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 18 home league meetings against tonight's opponents, with an away win last coming in this match in 2006.
Images via Getty Images/One Football
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