Barcelona Back To Top La Liga, Controversial Victory Over Rayo Vallecano

JAKARTA - Attacker Robert Lewandowski scored a penalty in the first half to give Barcelona a narrow 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, early morning WIB.

The victory brought the Blaugrana back to the top of the La Liga standings, past Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona took advantage of the results of the Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid series on weekends. The Blaugrana have the same points as Los Blancos, which are 51 points, but lead the goal difference. Meanwhile, Los Rojiblancos are one point behind the two.

Hansi Flick's men were able to stop Rayo Vallecano's nine unbeaten matches in the league and angered the visitors over some controversial referees' decisions.

After Pathe Ciss fouled Inigo Martinez in the penalty box, Mario Melero Lopez awarded the home side a penalty after a long VAR check.

Lewandowski scored the winning goal with a fine finish from the penalty spot in the 28th minute.

Even though Barcelona dominated possession, Rayo still looked more dangerous. They forced goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to perform brilliantly under the crossbar to thwart their efforts.

The Rayo players were furious when their petition for penalties was denied after Pau Cubarsi appeared to have violated Ciss--an incident that they thought was similar to the incident when Barcelona were awarded a penalty.

Rayo was again angry when Jorge de Frutos' goal was heavily disallowed in the 42nd minute.

Defender Martinez made a crucial save on the line with a header just before the break, while Szczesny continued to show his miracle in the second half to help secure the three points.

However, Rayo should have scored a equalizer when Jorge de Frutos failed to head the ball from close range in second-half injury time.

"I'd rather keep my own opinion about today's referee. However, everyone acts properly or believes they should."

"You always feel pain from losing. However, today I took a few hours to calm down given everything that happened and the way we played."

"Right now, the only word I can find is bitterness," said Rayo Vallecano Manager, Inigo Perez, who looks frustrated at Movistar Plus.