Barcelona Reclaims Top Spot as Lewandowski Seals Victory from the Spot

FC Barcelona is back at the top of La Liga after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.

The victory marks their fourth consecutive league triumph and puts them ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico Madrid trails by just one point in third place.

Lewandowski Keeps Barcelona’s Momentum Going

The decisive moment of the match came in the 28th minute when Robert Lewandowski confidently converted a penalty, securing all three points for his team. The Polish striker, who continues to dominate the league’s scoring charts, now boasts 20 goals this season.

The penalty was awarded after Rayo’s Pathé Ciss fouled inside the box following a Barcelona corner. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, giving Lewandowski the perfect opportunity to break the deadlock.

Defensive Battle and Missed Chances

Despite Barcelona’s control over possession, Rayo Vallecano proved to be a tough opponent, keeping the game within reach. The visitors defended resolutely and had moments where they threatened an equalizer, but Barcelona’s backline held firm.

Xavi’s squad pushed for a second goal to secure the win, but Rayo’s defense and goalkeeper stood their ground, keeping the score at 1-0 until the final whistle.

Title Race Heats Up

With this result, Barcelona takes the lead in La Liga, but the battle for the title remains incredibly tight. Real Madrid, level on points, is breathing down their neck, while Atletico Madrid is just one step behind, making every upcoming match crucial.

As the season progresses, Barcelona will need to maintain their winning form if they want to stay on top in one of the most competitive title races in years.