Portugal Colonial - Lewandowski lifts Barcelona past Rayo and into Liga lead

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Lewandowski lifts Barcelona past Rayo and into Liga lead / Photo: LLUIS GENE - AFP

Lewandowski lifts Barcelona past Rayo and into Liga lead

SPORTS 17.02.2025

Robert Lewandowski scored from the penalty spot as Barcelona scraped out a 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday to climb top of the Spanish Liga.

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Barcelona were seven points off first place three weeks ago but the two big Madrid clubs have suffered dips in form. Both drew their games 1-1 on Saturday playing with 10 men.

Barcelona took advantage on Monday night by eking out a victory over a third Madrid team, Rayo, thanks to their star striker.

"We can't win every game 3-0, we had to work," Barcelona fullback Alex Balde told broadcaster Movistar.

Lewandowski scored his 20th goal of the season with a 28th-minute penalty that went in off the post.

Rayo goalkeeper Pep Chavarria repeatedly frustrated Barcelona.

At the other end, Jorge de Frutos had a strike disallowed and missed with a headed chance in added time.

Barcelona remained unbeaten in 12 matches in 2025 while ending the 10-match unbeaten run that had lifted Rayo to a surprising sixth place.

C.Amaral--PC

Portugal Colonial - Lewandowski lifts Barcelona past Rayo and into Liga lead

Lewandowski lifts Barcelona past Rayo and into Liga lead

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