Robert Lewandowski scored from the penalty spot as Barcelona scraped out a 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano Monday to climb top of the Spanish LaLiga.
Barca were seven points off first place three weeks ago but the two big Madrid clubs have suffered dips in form.
Both drew their games 1-1 Saturday playing with 10 men.
Barca took advantage Monday night by eking out a victory over a third Madrid team, Rayo, thanks to their star striker.
"We can't win every game 3-0, we had to work," Barca fullback Alex Balde told broadcaster Movistar.
Lewandowski scored his 20th goal of the season with a 28th-minute penalty that went in off the post.
Rayo goalkeeper Pep Chavarria repeatedly frustrated Barca.
At the other end, Jorge de Frutos had a strike disallowed and missed with a headed chance in added time.
"It was hard work for the players and at the end we are happy," said Barca coach Hansi Flick.
"Everyone is happy about our new position. I think we played very well, although I think we can do better."
Barca remained unbeaten in 12 matches in 2025 while ending the 10-match unbeaten run that had lifted Rayo to a surprising sixth place.
RESULTS
Barcelona 1 (Lewandowski 28-P) Vallecano 0
Sunday
Espanyol 1 (Fernandez 62) Athletic Club 1 (Sancet 77)
Valladolid 0 Sevilla 4 (Juanlu 5, 67, Isaac 45+1, Lukebakio 84)
Mallorca 3 (Muriqi 7, 28, Rodriguez 35) Las Palmas 1 (Bajcetic 62)
Betis 3 (Antony 51, Roca 64, 69) Sociedad 0
