Lewandowski's Penalty Sends Barcelona to Top of La Liga

Barcelona capitalized on Madrid clubs' setbacks to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, taking the league lead on goal difference.

• Robert Lewandowski scored the decisive goal with a 28th-minute penalty after a foul on Íñigo Martínez, confirmed via VAR.
• Barcelona's win moves them level on 51 points with Real Madrid but ahead on goal difference, with Atlético Madrid trailing by one point.
• The victory extends Barcelona's unbeaten streak in 2025 to 12 matches while ending Rayo Vallecano's nine-game unbeaten run dating back to December 7.
• Rayo Vallecano created several scoring opportunities, including a disallowed goal and a missed header by Jorge de Frutos in added time.
• Lamine Yamal, playing his 100th career game, had a notable chance saved by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who kept the match competitive.

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