Anna 
Barcelona climbed to the top of the Spanish league on goal difference after a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the only goal from the penalty spot in the first half.
The victory saw Barcelona take advantage of Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid’s weekend slip-ups. Both teams dropped points, with Madrid drawing 1-1 at Osasuna and Atlético held to a 1-1 draw at home against Celta Vigo. Barcelona now shares 51 points with Madrid, but holds a one-point lead over Atlético.
After the match, Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny cautioned against getting too caught up in the standings. “We shouldn’t focus too much on the table,” Szczesny said in an interview with Barca One. “At one point, we were nine points ahead. Things can change quickly, so we must stay focused on each match.”
He added, “We still have three trophies to fight for. We have the chance to do something very special this season.”
Barcelona took the lead in the 27th minute when Rayo Vallecano’s Pathe Ciss fouled Inigo Martínez in the penalty area. A video review confirmed the decision, and Lewandowski calmly converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Rayo Vallecano threatened in the second half. Jorge De Frutos thought he had scored, but his goal was ruled offside. Lamine Yamal also had a chance, but Rayo’s goalkeeper, Augusto Batalla, made a strong save.
De Frutos was a constant danger for Rayo, but Barcelona gained control of the game as it progressed and extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed confidence but emphasized the long road ahead. “We are in a good position, which is great for the club, the players, and the fans,” he said. “But this is not the end. We have a long way to go.”
The defeat ended Rayo Vallecano’s nine-game unbeaten run, which had stretched back to December 7.
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