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BARCELONA BEAT RAYO VALLECANO 1-0 TO GO TOP OF LA LIGA
Robert Lewandowski’s first-half penalty was the difference at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, with Hans-Dieter Flick’s side leapfrogging Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid to go top of the La Liga table.
Raphinha had Barcelona’s first real big chance of the evening after 24 minutes, latching onto a superb pass from Pedri before seeing his effort saved by Augusto Batalla.
Hani Flick’s men continued to apply the pressure and, after 28 minutes, had won a penalty after Pathe Cisse wrestled Inigo Martinez to the ground in the penalty area.
La Liga top scorer Robert Lewandowski stepped up to net his 20th league goal of the season, rattling his effort off the inside of the post.
The Blaugrana came close to doubling their lead just minutes later when Lamine Yamal found space in the penalty area before firing his effort straight at Batalla, who stood firm to make a strong save.
The visitors ended the half well and even had the ball in the back of the net after Jorge de Frutos finished well past Szczesny, but the flag went up for offside, with Vallecano forward Randy Nteka adjudged to have interfered with play after obstructing Martinez from an offside position.
Midway through the second half, Raphinha had a huge chance to double Barcelona’s advantage. Dani Olmo slipped the Brazilian in brilliantly to go one-on-one with Batalla, but the forward lifted his effort well over the bar.
Rayo Vallecano had a huge chance to equalise in stoppage time, with Adrian Embarba putting a magnificent ball on a plate for De Frutos with just Szczesny to beat, but the 27-year-old could only fire his header wide of the target.
Barcelona leapfrogged both Real and Atletico Madrid with the win and sit top of the pile for the first time in two months.
