Barcelona capitalised on Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid dropping points to move to the top of La Liga, securing a slim 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night courtesy of Robert Lewandowski's first-half penalty.
The result sees Barcelona leapfrog Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid to move to the top of the table, only ahead of Los Blancos on goal difference, while Rayo Vallecano remain in sixth, though it marks the end of their new club record of nine La Liga games without defeat.
Barcelona dominated from kick-off and came close to scoring on several occasions before Lewandowski converted a penalty after a foul on Inigo Martinez, but the goal sparked Rayo into life, and the visitors thought they had equalised through Jorge de Frutos just before half-time, only for the effort to be controversially ruled out for offside.
The second 45 minutes saw a much tighter affair, with Rayo Vallecano largely neutralising Barcelona's attacking threat but also failing to create much of their own in the final third, leaving the match to trudge to a narrow 1-0 victory for the hosts.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Barcelona were far from their ruthless selves in front of goal throughout this game, spurning several glorious opportunities early on that could have sealed the victory in the first half.
However, Rayo eventually found their footing after Lewandowski's first-half penalty, and the visitors were arguably the better side for long durations of the match, certainly deserving of more than a defeat.
Despite the underwhelming performance at times, Hansi Flick will be pleased that his side were able to secure all three points, moving them to the top of La Liga after appearing all but out of the title race earlier in the season.
BARCELONA VS. RAYO VALLECANO HIGHLIGHTS
Robert Lewandowski goal vs. Rayo Vallecano (28th min, Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano)
Lewandowski converts from the spot to give Barcelona the lead!
Barcelona look to deliver a corner but Augusto Batalla punches it away, however, the referee is instructed by VAR to check the monitor as Martinez has been dragged to the ground inside the box by Pathe Ciss, and after a brief review, the penalty is awarded.
Lewandowski steps up, skipping towards the ball during his run up, and brilliantly converts off the left post and into the net, sending Batalla the wrong way.
MAN OF THE MATCH - PEDRI
In a match that was devoid of much quality, particularly in the final third, Pedri was a shining light throughout the match, dictating play and producing a superb all-round performance.
The tricky midfielder made 61 passes during the 90 minutes, of which two were key passes and one was a big chance created, while he also successfully made two dribbles.
Pedri also showcased his defensive and combative qualities, winning six duels, making one interception and registering three tackles in a wonderful display.
BARCELONA VS. RAYO VALLECANO MATCH STATS
Possession: Barcelona 60%-40% Rayo Vallecano
Shots: Barcelona 14-8 Rayo Vallecano
Shots on target: Barcelona 5-4 Rayo Vallecano
Corners: Barcelona 4-5 Rayo Vallecano
Fouls: Barcelona 11-9 Rayo Vallecano
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Barcelona's attention will briefly remain on La Liga with an away trip to face Las Palmas, followed by hosting Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano are set for a return to the Estadio de Vallecas, with clashes against Villarreal and Sevilla awaiting them in La Liga as they look to continue their Champions League charge.
body check tags ::
