LaLiga: Barcelona Go Top of LaLiga with 1-0 Victory Over Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona take the top spot in LaLiga after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, with Lewandowski scoring the winning goal.

Barcelona surged to the top of the LaLiga table after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, extending their impressive run to 10 wins in 12 matches. The Catalan giants capitalized on the misfortune of their Madrid counterparts, who dropped crucial points over the weekend.

With the top two teams faltering, Barcelona recognized the importance of claiming all three points against Rayo Vallecano. Hansi Flick's side dominated the opening half, creating scoring opportunities and pushing for the elusive opening goal. Raphinha came agonizingly close, firing a shot inches wide of the target after latching onto Alejandro Balde's pinpoint cutback.

The turning point arrived when Inigo Martínez was brought down in the box by Abdul Mumin, prompting a lengthy VAR review. Robert Lewandowski seized the opportunity, converting the penalty kick with precision for his 20th league goal of the season. Barcelona's momentum continued as Lamine Yamal squandered a golden chance to double the hosts' lead, firing straight at Augusto Batalla after pouncing on a loose ball.

🔥 FULL TIME! 🔥#BarçaRayo pic.twitter.com/q0LllZq2il

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2025

Rayo Vallecano eventually tested Wojciech Szczesny in the 37th minute, but the Polish goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to deny Randy Nteka's effort. The visitors almost stunned the Barcelona faithful on the cusp of halftime as Jorge de Frutos broke through the defense and finished with aplomb. However, the goal was disallowed after Nteka was deemed offside and obstructing a defender.

Hansi Flick would have expected a stronger start from his team after the restart, especially given Rayo's near-equalizer before halftime. His wish nearly came true within 10 minutes of the second half, as Pedri embarked on a dazzling run into the box, only for Lewandowski to drag his cutback wide.

As the second half progressed, Rayo Vallecano began to assert their influence, stifling Barcelona's attacking momentum for much of the half. It wasn't until the 71st minute that Barça managed to test Augusto Batalla again, with Raphinha capitalizing on a rebound, but the goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to deny the Brazilian forward.

Raphinha continued to threaten, bursting through on goal, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. Despite Barcelona's relentless pressure, the elusive second goal remained out of reach. Instead, Flick's side endured a tense finale as Rayo pushed for an equalizer, but the hosts managed to hold on for the win.

The victory propelled Barcelona level on points with Real Madrid, while ending Rayo Vallecano's three-match winning streak.