Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
In a weekend of controversy, the referees have been as soon as once more the centre of consideration as Barcelona went prime courtesy of a penalty from Robert Lewandowski. Rayo Vallecano noticed their nine-game unbeaten run come to an finish however not with out placing the hosts on the ropes.
The primary half obtained underway in comparatively composed style, however it didn’t take lengthy for the tempo to select up, as Rayo defended the sting of their field aggressively, and moved the ball excessive and large with velocity after they gained it again. Barcelona did have the higher of the probabilities initially although, with Raphinha being slipped by means of twice: as soon as skimming the publish along with his effort, and as soon as forcing a powerful save from Augusto Batalla.
The breakthrough got here after 28 minutes, when Pathe Ciss introduced down Inigo Martinez at a nook. After a VAR evaluate, the penalty was given, and Robert Lewandowski fired his effort in off the publish. Rayo felt harshly so after a seize on Pau Cubarsi went unpunished at one other nook.
Regardless of the aim, Rayo grew in confidence although, elevating their recreation and inflicting Barcelona issues. Wojciech Szczesny was pressured into a superb save right down to his left earlier than the break, and solely an interfering Randy Nteka, who was in an offside place, stopped Jorge de Frutos glorious run and end from counting.
The second half noticed slight decline within the tempo, however no erosion of the Rayo confidence. Martinez, who was the glue within the Barcelona defence, needed to writer quite a few more and more frantic interventions to halt Rayo advances. Barcelona continued to search out openings, however Lewandowski couldn’t end good work down the left from Pedri, and Raphinha blazed one other effort over.
Actual Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has denied rumors that Vitor Roque needs to depart for Palmeiras, calling them ‘fully false’. The Barça loanee has performed in 97% of Betis’ video games, although he has been benched within the final 4. By way of @mundodeportivo
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 17, 2025
As full-time drew shut, the openings for either side turned extra scarce, however the nervousness round Montjuic was palpable. The frayed fingernails have been justified when within the ultimate minute of the match, Adrian Embarba broke the offside lure down the left. His ball in discovered de Frutos with the aim gaping, however the ex-Actual Madrid man couldn’t get excessive sufficient to direct the ball down, and noticed his effort sail behind.
The Blaugrana obtained out of dodge in one other residence recreation the place wasted possibilities might need price them dearly, however finally Hansi Flick’s aspect will likely be delighted that the video games they have been shedding three months in the past at the moment are turning into three factors – in no small half courtesy of the medicinal Pedri and on this event, rugged Martinez. Rayo will really feel annoyed they lacked a scientific edge within the field, however Inigo Perez could have little to reproach his gamers for come the evaluation throughout the week. They continue to be sixth, some extent above Mallorca, and Barcelona go stage on 51 factors with Actual Madrid, one forward of Atletico Madrid.