Barcelona lead LaLiga as Lewandowski’s penalty secures victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Robert Lewandowski’s penalty lifts Barcelona to the top of LaLiga with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in the Spanish league on goal difference after Lewandowski’s first-half penalty secured a narrow win on Monday.
The Catalan side capitalized on weekend setbacks for Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, moving to 51 points—level with Madrid and one point ahead of Atlético. Madrid drew 1-1 at Osasuna on Saturday, while Atlético was held to the same score at home by Celta Vigo.
“We shouldn’t focus too much on the standings,” Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny told Barca One.
“At one point, we were nine points clear, but when you get too excited or too comfortable, things can change quickly. We have to stay at our best in the next match and every game after that.
“We’re still in the hunt for three trophies, and we have a chance to achieve something special this season.”
Barcelona took the lead in the 27th minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Pathe Ciss on Iñigo Martínez in the box. Lewandowski stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Augusto Batalla denied Lamine Yamal, who was making his 100th career appearance, while Rayo’s Jorge De Frutos had a goal disallowed for offside.
De Frutos remained a threat for Rayo, but Barcelona gradually took control and extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches.
“I said we would fight until the end, and that’s what we’re doing. It’s not over,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said.
“We are in a good position—it’s great for the club, for the players’ confidence, and, of course, for the fans. But there’s still a long way to go.”
Rayo’s defeat ended their nine-game unbeaten streak, which had stretched back to December 7.
