Robert Lewandowski celebrates his goal against Rayo Vallecano Robert Lewandowski celebrates his goal against Rayo Vallecano

Robert Lewandowski's first-half penalty earned Barcelona a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano to move back to the summit of the La Liga standings. (More Football News)superace88

After draws for fellow title hopefuls Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the weekend, Hansi Flick's side took advantage to keep their 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 hosts with the opener after a poor header back to his goalkeeper, but Raphinha dragged his effort wide of Augusto Batalla's goal. 

But Barcelona's dominance eventually prevailed 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,betpk but his diving header cleared the crossbar.

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Data Debrief: Rayo pay the penalty against Barca

While not at their best, Barcelona ensured they put the pressure on their Madrid rivals with a battling display at the Camp Nou. 

Flick's side ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.53 from their 14 shots to their opponents' 0.99 from their nine attempts, though the defining moment came through a regular piece of play for Barcelona this season. 

Indeed, Lewandowski's penalty was the fourth spot-kick they have been awarded this season. In La Liga this term, that is a joint-division-high total (level with Alaves and Leganes), with the Pole scoring three of those four from 12 yards. 

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“The final was really intense; the Chinese were breathing down our necks throughout the game and made it really difficult for us to create a clear goal scoring chancesuperace88,” Harmanpreet said in a Hockey India release.