Barcelona claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at Montjuïc, moving to the top of the La Liga table in a match marked by controversial refereeing decisions.
Robert Lewandowski scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the first half. The penalty was awarded after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Pathé Ciss on Iñigo Martínez. This defeat ended Rayo’s nine-match unbeaten run.
Rayo pushed back after conceding, forcing Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczęsny, into a crucial save before halftime.
Barcelona struggled to secure a second goal, with missed chances from Lewandowski and Raphinha keeping Rayo’s hopes alive. In the final moments, Adrián Embarba set up Jorge de Frutos with a clear chance, but the former Real Madrid player failed to score.
Despite wasting several opportunities, Barcelona held on for the win, leaving coach Hansi Flick relieved. Rayo, although disappointed by the result, remain in sixth place.
With this victory, Barcelona are now level on 51 points with Real Madrid, just ahead of Atlético Madrid in the La Liga standings.
