Lamine Yamal’s penalty gives Barcelona lead at Rayo – Watch Now

Barcelona Takes the Lead Against Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona is leading 1-0 against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at halftime, thanks to Lamine Yamal’s first-ever penalty for the club. The game is crucial for Barcelona as they aim to maintain their winning streak in the 2025/26 season.

High Stakes Night in Vallecas

The match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano is not just about the game but also about the condition of the pitch at Vallecas. The Rayo Vallecano president addressed criticism of the stadium before kickoff, leading to protests among fans.

Key Moments in the Game

Both teams had opportunities early on, with Barcelona’s goalkeeper making a crucial save and Rayo Vallecano missing a close-range shot. The turning point came when Pep Chavarría fouled Lamine Yamal in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Barcelona.

Controversy and VAR

After Yamal converted the penalty, controversy surrounded the decision, with two Rayo players receiving bookings. Reports suggest that VAR was unable to intervene due to technical issues, adding to the drama of the match.

Post-Game Conversations

Despite the controversy, Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. The result marks Rayo’s third consecutive unbeaten match against Barcelona in the Spanish capital. The missed opportunity to extend the lead before halftime could have changed the outcome of the game.

Missed Opportunity for Barcelona

As the first half concluded, Barcelona had a chance to score a second goal but failed to capitalize. Jules Kounde’s shot was saved by Rayo’s goalkeeper, and Dani Olmo missed the rebound, frustrating Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick.

Images via Getty Images/One Football