Barcelona defeated Deportivo Alaves 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a goal from Robert Lewandowski in the second half.
The third-place hosts closed the four-point deficit on La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
Alaves stayed in 18th place, two points behind safety, while Barcelona’s second straight league victory moved them up to 45 points after 22 games.
Lamine Yamal got Barca off to a great start by squeezing past a huddle of defenders to the outside of the box and finding Raphinha on the left, but the Brazilian’s attempt missed the far post.
A head-on collision between Gavi and Tomas Conechny during an aerial challenge delayed the game for many minutes. Both players received on-field treatment before being replaced.
Alaves was content to sit back and defend as Barcelona controlled the ball.
Manu Sanchez’s attempt to clear Raphinha’s cross to Lewandowski nearly gave the home team the lead at the interval, but the Polish striker missed the mark.
In the 57th minute, Yamal’s cross was headed wide by Lewandowski, but four minutes later, the two joined forces once more to give the home team the lead.
Lewandowski volleyed home from close range after Yamal’s cross from Pedri’s lofted ball from the left took a deflection off Nahuel Tenaglia.
Yamal’s attempt to double Barca’s advantage was tipped away by Alaves keeper Jesus Owono, who kept the visitors in the match.
Barcelona was able to annoy the visitors by slowing down the game and maintaining possession while Alaves tried to equalise.
Alaves lost their second league game since coach Eduardo Coudet took over in December.
Toni Martinez had a chance to tie the score in the 87th minute, but his attempt from Santiago Mourino’s cross flew wide.
Next Sunday, when Alaves hosts Getafe, Barcelona will travel to Sevilla.
