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We can now roll our sleeves and brace up for some ‘battle for the summit’ of Spanish top-flight football in the coming weeks, as Barcelona reclaimed top spot for the first time in two months on the La Liga standings with a hard-fought narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Monday nigy. The win, a product of Robert Lewandowski’s first-half penalty, means a return to the summit for Barça, but it was far from a convincing display.
The hosts began brightly, exploiting Rayo’s high pressing to create several scoring opportunities. Raphinha squandered two gilt-edged chances, while Lamine Yamal also failed to capitalize on a promising opening. Barça’s dominance was eventually rewarded when Iñigo Martínez was fouled in the box by Pathé Ciss, and Lewandowski converted the ensuing penalty.
Defiant Rayo refused to buckle, and they launched a spirited response that saw them create several clear-cut chances. Wojciech Szczesny was forced into several important saves, while Pau Cubarsí and Martínez made crucial interventions to deny the visitors an equalizer.
Rayo thought they had leveled the scores just before halftime, but Jorge De Frutos’ goal was chalked off due to Randy Nteka’s offside position. The decision hitherto proved pivotal, as Barça struggled to regain their composure in the second half.
The intensity of the match increased after the break, with Rayo pushing hard for an equalizer. De Frutos and Raphinha both spurned excellent chances, while Dani Olmo’s introduction off the bench provided a brief spark for Barça.
As the match entered its final stages, Barça’s performance deteriorated, and they were forced to cling on for their dear lives. Rayo created several late chances, with De Frutos guilty of missing a glorious opportunity in the 90th minute.
In the end, Barça managed to hold on for an important victory that lifts them back to the top of the La Liga table. However, the performance was far from the best, and Barça will need to improve on such showings if they are to maintain their title challenge.
The win may have papered over the cracks, but Barça’s display was a cause for concern. They were second-best for large periods of the match and relied on Lewandowski’s penalty to secure the three points. With tougher challenges on the horizon, Barça will need to raise their game if they are to remain in contention for the title, especially in the coming weeks.
Xavi Hernández’s side has now gone 14 games unbeaten in La Liga, and despite lacking cutting edge on the night, they were fortunate to escape with all three points.
Rayo, on the other hand, can take solace from their spirited performance as they pushed Barça all the way and were unfortunate not to take something from the match. The visitors’ high pressing caused Barça problems throughout, and they will be disappointed not to have taken advantage of their opponents’ bluntness in front of goal.
Penalty merchant