Robert Lewandowski’s first-half penalty secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Barcelona over Rayo Vallecano on Monday, propelling them to the top of the Spanish La Liga standings.
Taking advantage of slip-ups by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid over the weekend, Barcelona leaped from third place to first, now level with Real Madrid on 51 points but ahead on goal difference. Rayo Vallecano remain sixth with 35 points.
The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Lewandowski calmly converted from the spot after Pathe Ciss fouled Íñigo Martínez in the box. The Polish striker’s composed finish marked his 17th league goal of the season.
Despite dominating possession, Barcelona faced a resilient Rayo Vallecano side that threatened throughout the match. The visitors nearly snatched a late equalizer in stoppage time, but Jorge de Frutos’s close-range header narrowly missed the target.
Barcelona’s win sets up an exciting title race as they continue to battle with rivals Real Madrid for La Liga supremacy.
