La Liga: Barcelona Edge Rayo Vallecano 1-0, Return To Top Of Table

Barcelona returned to the top of the La Liga 2024-25 points table on goal difference as Robert Lewandowski바카라�s first-half penalty secured a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday (February 18). The Catalan club took advantage of weekend slip-ups by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to move onto 51 points, the same as Madrid and a point clear of Atletico. Madrid drew 1-1 at Osasuna and Atletico were held by the same score at home by Celta Vigo earlier. Barcelona took the lead after 27 minutes when Pathe Ciss brought down Inigo Martínez in the box, and a penalty was awarded after a video review. Lewandowski sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

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Updated on: 18 February 2025 11:14 am

Spanish La Liga soccer Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Dani Olmo

La Liga 2024-25: Barcelona's Dani Olmo, centre, challenges for the ball with Rayo's goalkeeper Augusto Batalla | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Barcelona's Dani Olmo, centre, challenges for the ball with Rayo's goalkeeper Augusto Batalla during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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Spanish La Liga soccer Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Robert Lewandowski

La Liga 2024-25: Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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Spanish La Liga soccer Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Lewandowski

La Liga 2024-25: Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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La Liga 2024-25: Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski scores his side's opening goal | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski scores his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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Spanish La Liga soccer Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Raphinha

La Liga 2024-25: Barcelona's Raphinha challenges for the ball with Rayo's Andrei Ratiu | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Barcelona's Raphinha, centre, challenges for the ball with Rayo's Andrei Ratiu during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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Spanish La Liga soccer Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Andrei Ratiu

La Liga 2024-25: Rayo's Andrei Ratiu, right, challenges for the ball with Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Rayo's Andrei Ratiu, right, challenges for the ball with Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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Spanish La Liga soccer Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Lamine Yamal

La Liga 2024-25: Rayo's Pep Chavarria and goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, right, in action against Barcelona's Lamine Yamal | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Rayo's Pep Chavarria, left, Rayo's goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, right, in action against Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, centre, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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Spanish La Liga soccer Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Gavi

La Liga 2024-25: Barcelona's Gavi kicks the ball | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Barcelona's Gavi kicks the ball during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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La Liga 2024-25: Barcelona's Lamine Yamal challenges for the ball with Rayo's Pep Chavarria | Photo: AP/Joan Monfort

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, challenges for the ball with Rayo's Pep Chavarria during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

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