Lewandowski lifts Barcelona past Rayo and into Liga lead

 Lewandowski lifts Barcelona past Rayo and into Liga lead

On February 17, 2025, FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at Montjuïc, propelling them to the top of the La Liga standings. The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty, awarded after a VAR review identified a foul by Pathe Ciss on Iñigo Martínez. This win elevated Barcelona to 51 points, level with Real Madrid but ahead on goal difference, with Atlético Madrid trailing by one point.

The match was not without controversy. Rayo Vallecano players and officials expressed frustration over several refereeing decisions. Notably, they were denied a penalty for an incident involving Ciss and had a goal by Jorge de Frutos disallowed. Rayo's president, Raúl Martín Presa, voiced his discontent, suggesting that the referee's performance was lacking.

Despite the contentious atmosphere, Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, stood by the use of VAR, emphasizing his belief in the technology's role in assisting officiating. He also praised his team's resilience against a formidable opponent, highlighting the significance of the three points earned.

This victory not only marked Barcelona's ascent to the league's summit but also underscored their determination in a tightly contested title race. The team's performance, combined with strategic decisions, has reignited their championship aspirations.

Barcelona's Controversial Victory Over Rayo Vallecano.