The Brazil international headed home the only goal of the game as the Blaugrana hung on after Ronald Araujo's red card
Raphinha's first-half goal was enough for Barcelona to see off Valencia at home and extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 10 points, at least for a few hours.
Barca wasted no time asserting themselves on the game, and Raphinha handed the Blaugrana the lead inside 20 minutes, meeting Sergio Busquets' chip with a deft header.
Ferran Torres should have doubled Barcelona's lead in the second half, but clanged a spot-kick off the post after 54 minutes.
Barca then handed Valencia a further lifeline after Ronald Araujo was sent off for dragging Hugo Duro down as he ran through on goal.
Xavi's side, though, turned in a measured showing for the final 30 minutes, grinding out a 1-0 home win that could go a long way to helping them seal the title.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Almost gave up a goal with a lax clearance. Didn't have a save to make.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
His poor header doomed Araujo to a straight red card.
Ronald Araujo (4/10):
Shown a straight red card for dragging Duro down as he ran through on goal.
Andreas Christensen (7/10):
Won his headers, passed well. Crucial in seeing off late pressure.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Another fantastic performance from the youngster, scampering up and down the left with ease.
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Sergi Roberto (7/10):
Another impressive shift from a reliable player, a few days after penning a new deal.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Assisted Raphinha's opener with a wonderful chip over the Valencia back line. Tackled well, although looked slightly exposed as Valencia started to push for an equaliser.
Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
An agreeable 45 minutes, although some of his decision-making going forward was lacking. Removed at half-time, likely a pre-planned sub.
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Ansu Fati (4/10):
Handed his second Liga start in a row, but miscued a header from seven yards out, which pretty much encapsulates his struggles this year. Hit the post in the second half. Sacrificed after an hour for a centre-back after Araujo was sent off.
Ferran Torres (6/10):
Missed a penalty that should have doubled his team's lead.
Raphinha (8/10):
Opened the scoring with a well-taken header. Was Barca's most consistent threat otherwise, picking up the slack with Robert Lewandowski out.
Subs & Manager
Franck Kessie (6/10):
Won the ball a lot, but wasn't composed enough in possession.
Marcos Alonso (6/10):
Centre-back cover for Araujo, not exactly convincing.
Eric Garcia (6/10):
Brought on for extra legs as Barca held on.
Angel Aracon (N/A):
Only introduced for the final five minutes.
Xavi (6/10):
Went with his strongest XI after a tiring Clasico on Thursday. Barca were far from their best, but they picked up an important home win.