Madrid, Feb. 18 -- FC Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on goal difference on Monday night with a 1-0 win at home over Rayo Vallecano, in a game that had more than its share of controversy, with Barca scoring the only goal from the penalty spot, while Rayo had a very good penalty appeal rejected and a goal ruled out after a questionable offside decision.
Barca had chances to score more goals, but Rayo showed why it traveled to Barcelona after a nine-game unbeaten run, producing a brave display of attacking football that was close to getting a reward.
Robert Lewandowski sent a header just wide, and Raphinha also sent a shot just the wrong side of the post, before Barca took the lead through Robert Lewandowski's penalty in the 27th m...