LaLiga Table Update After Barcelona’s 1-0 Victory Over Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga Round 24, climbing to the top of the table after Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid dropped points earlier in the weekend....CONTINUE READING>>>

The match at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys saw Barcelona dominate from the start. Their first real chance came in the 11th minute when Raphinha narrowly missed the target after receiving a cutback from Alejandro Balde. Their persistent attacking play paid off in the 18th minute when Rayo’s Abdul Mumin fouled Iñigo Martínez in the box. Following a VAR review, Robert Lewandowski stepped up and converted the penalty, marking his 20th league goal of the season.

Barcelona continued to press for a second goal, with Lamine Yamal coming close just after the half-hour mark, but his effort was straight at Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla. Rayo Vallecano eventually found their footing and tested Barcelona’s Wojciech Szczęsny in the 37th minute, forcing a strong save from the Polish goalkeeper. Rayo nearly equalized before halftime, but Jorge de Frutos’ goal was disallowed for offside, as Randy Nteka was deemed to have interfered with play.

The second half saw Rayo Vallecano adopt a more disciplined approach, limiting Barcelona’s attacking opportunities. Pedri orchestrated a brilliant move into the box, setting up Lewandowski, who missed the target. Raphinha looked lively, forcing Batalla into a brilliant save in the 71st minute and later attempting a chipped effort that went over the bar.

Despite Barcelona’s attacking pressure, they couldn’t extend their lead. Rayo Vallecano pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Barcelona’s defense held firm to secure all three points. The victory moved them level on points with Real Madrid and ended Rayo’s three-match winning streak.

Check out the updated Spanish LaLiga table below: