Barcelona back top of LaLiga after beating Rayo Vallecano

Robert Lewandowski scored a first-half penalty as Barcelona edged to a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano and moved back to the top of LaLiga.

Hansi Flick’s side took advantage of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday to overtake their rivals at the summit, with both sides on 51 points.

Lewandowski’s 20th league goal of the season proved the difference but the visitors, unbeaten in nine coming into the contest, responded and were denied a goal of their own when Jorge de Frutos saw his strike ruled out.

Barcelona did not do it the easy way and a string of saves by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny helped deliver the points for the hosts.

Vallecano threatened with their first venture forward as a corner was flung in towards the back post but Randy Nteka nodded narrowly wide.

Barcelona were beginning to make inroads on the Vallecano defence and it was Raphinha causing the problems – his initial effort was parried by Augusto Batalla but Lewandowski could not turn home the rebound.

A minute later, Barcelona were given the chance to open the scoring from the spot when Inigo Martinez was pulled down by Pathe Ciss from a corner and a spot-kick was given after a VAR review.

From the resulting penalty, Lewandowski made no mistake and coolly stroked in off the post to give Barca the lead.

The home side could have been two up when Lamine Yamal found himself one-on-one but Batalla spread himself well to keep the deficit at one.

The visitors started to show a little bit more ambition going forward – Isi Palazon’s menacing run down the wing opened up a chance for Nketa but Szczesny denied the first and was called upon again to get in the way of Alvaro Garcia’s follow up.

Vallecano thought they got themselves on level terms when De Frutos stroked home but the assistant referee’s flag cut celebrations short after Nketa, who was offside, blocked the run of Martinez in the build-up.

Vallecano were knocking on the door for an equaliser, this time De Frutos’ deflected cross had to be headed behind by Martinez.

Barcelona were quick out of the traps in the second period, as Yamal unlocked the defence and cut a ball across for Lewandowski who sprayed wide of the target.

Barcelona were once again kept out of trouble by Szczesny when he batted away De Frutos’ close-range effort as Vallecano continued to probe.

Vallecano saw another chance go begging as De Frutos sent a free header from close range go high and wide as Barcelona hung on for the points.