Lewandowski penalty fires Barcelona to top of LaLiga
Robert Lewandowski's penalty lifted Barcelona to a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in a result that sent the Blaugrana level with Real Madrid on 51 points and top of LaLiga on goal difference.
After draws for fellow title hopefuls Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the weekend, Hansi Flick's side took advantage to keep its hopes of a 28th league crown alive.
Barcelona started strongly in the contest, with Lewandowski unable to guide an early header on target after good work from Raphinha on the edge of the box.
Andrei Ratiu then almost presented the host with the opener after a poor header back to his goalkeeper, but Raphinha dragged his effort wide of Augusto Batalla's goal.
Barcelona's dominance paid off in the 28th minute when Pathe Ciss unnecessary foul on Inigo Martinez from a corner saw the referee point to the spot.
Lewandowski stepped up and sent Batalla the wrong way to open the scoring and net his 20th LaLiga goal of the season.
Barcelona continued to dominate proceedings, with Lamine Yamal denied twice in quick succession by Batalla, but Rayo Vallecano had the chance to snatch a point late on.
A glorious pass from Pep Chavarria was collected by Adri Embarba, with his cross finding an unmarked Jorge de Frutos, but his diving header cleared the crossbar.
