Barcelona’s controversial 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano sparks outrage in Madrid
FC Barcelona secured a controversial 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano on Monday, thanks to a penalty converted by Robert Lewandowski. This victory allowed the Catalans to leapfrog Real Madrid and take back the top spot in La Liga, in a match already surrounded by tension over Spanish refereeing.
The game was marked by protests from Rayo Vallecano, who complained about an unawarded penalty and a disallowed goal for offside. Barcelona’s performance was shaky at first, struggling to convert their dominance into goals. However, a penalty awarded for a foul by Pathé Ciss on Inigo Martinez during a corner gave Lewandowski the chance to score in the 28th minute.
Despite the lead, Barcelona wasn’t safe. Rayo Vallecano continued to pose a threat on the counterattack, forcing Szczesny into key saves. Several chances went begging, especially for Raphinha, who failed to capitalize on promising opportunities. Even with a mixed performance, Barcelona managed to achieve their primary goal of regaining the top spot in the standings. This result has sparked outrage in Madrid, with the local press heavily criticizing the refereeing decisions and the controversial nature of the match.
