Hosts go top of the league as first-half spot-kick is enough to seal three points against Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in nervy fashion to go top of La Liga on Monday.
Robert Lewandowski's first-half penalty was enough for Hansi Flick's side to edge in front, a lead they held onto despite their visitors causing plenty of problems.
Wojciech Szczesny was called into action on more than one occasion, while Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal were generally starved of service.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):
Made an excellent double save in the first half to preserve his side's lead and dealt with anything else that came his way tidily. Continues a good run in Barca's goal.
Hector Fort (5/10):
Looked like Barca's weak link in defence, with Vallecano often breaking the high line and playing around him on that side of the pitch.
Pau Cubarsi (5/10):
Also struggled to contain Rayo's breaks in behind, but was often forced to cover space that Fort left when he was caught out.
Inigo Martinez (6/10):
Barca were not convincing defensively but Martinez was the leader of a young pack and was also brought down for the first-half penalty.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Offered an attacking threat down the left and seems to have a nice relationship with Raphinha.
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Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
Kept the ball moving from the centre of midfield but Rayo did have some joy on the break by sending numbers into his area of the pitch.
Pedri (9/10):
Always a joy to watch, he teed up Raphinha, Lewandowski and Yamal with the three quality moments of the match, including some sumptuous skill.
Gavi (6/10):
Didn't particularly impose himself on the game but showed his customary energy to press from the front and chase back.
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Lamine Yamal (6/10):
Only showed his best in glimpses and missed a very presentable chance to score just after Lewandowski had netted.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
Was hardly involved in the game but did take his penalty nicely to make himself the match-winner.
Raphinha (7/10):
Such a threat with his physicality and dribbling and often got into the most dangerous positions of any Barca player, only for profligacy to let him down in front of goal.
AFPSubs & Manager
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Didn't have an eye-catching impact but Rayo created less once he was on the pitch, bar a late miss.
Dani Olmo (7/10):
Produced a smart burst and through ball out of character for the match for Raphinha, who missed a presentable chance.
Ferran Torres (N/A):
Came on late.
Eric Garcia (N/A):
Replaced Cubarsi after 81 minutes.
Marc Casado (N/A):
Only came on for last few minutes.
Hansi Flick (6/10):
Will be pleased his side got over the line but must be concerned at how often their high line was breached and last-ditch defending was necessary.