Madrid, 18 February (HS): FC Barcelona returned to the top spot of La Liga with a narrow and controversial 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night. Robert Lewandowski scored the only goal for Barca through a penalty, but the match saw several controversial decisions, including Rayo's penalty appeal being ignored and their goal being ruled out due to a dubious offside.

Lewandowski gave the lead with a penaltyBarcelona made more attacks in the first half, with Lewandowski and Rafinha's efforts not converting into a goal. However, Barca got a penalty in the 27th minute when Rayo's Pathe Ciss was convicted of stopping Inigo Martinez. Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla had caught the ball, but referee Melero Lopez called it a foul and awarded a penalty, which Lewandowski converted into a goal to give Barca the lead.

Rayo's penalty appeal and offside controversy

Rayo's players expressed their displeasure at the referee's decisions in the match. Hector Forte's clear shirt-pull on Abdul Mumin before the penalty was ignored. At the end of the first half, Jorge de Frutos' goal was ruled out as offside, while replays showed that Randy Nketiah, who was declared offside, had no role in the goal.

Excitement in the second half and Rayo's efforts failed

Both teams played aggressively in the second half. Wojciech Szczesny made great saves for Rayo, while Barca's Dani Olmo's attempt also failed due to a brilliant save by goalkeeper Batalla.

Jorge de Frutos had a chance to equalise in injury time, but he failed to convert Adrian Embarba's cross into a header correctly.

With this win, Barcelona reached the top of the La Liga table on the basis of goal difference, while Rayo's unbeaten streak of nine matches ended.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar