Barcelona head in at half time with a 1-0 La Liga lead over Rayo Vallecano via Lamine Yamal’s first ever penalty for the club.
A high-stakes night in Vallecas has focused on Barcelona continuing their winning start to the 2025/26 season and the state of the Rayo pitch.
The Rayo Vallecano president spoke ahead of kick off to call out criticism over the stadium with fans protesting over the situation before the game.
Both sides created chances early on, with Barcelona No.1 brilliantly denying Andrei Ratiu, before Isi Palazon fired over the bar.
However, the game turned on 40 minutes, as Pep Chavarría brought down Lamine Yamal for a penalty.
Two Rayo players were booked in the aftermath, as the home side railed against the decision, and Barcelona’s teenage sensation tucked home from the spot.
The 18-year-old had never taken a penalty in normal time, but with Robert Lewandowski not on the pitch, he stepped up.
The controversy only reigned during the break with widespread reports that VAR was unable to make a call on Chavarría’s foul in Vallecas.
On the stroke of half time, despite the swirling controversy, Barcelona could and should have made it 2-0.
Lamine Yamal teed up Jules Kounde on the overlap, with the France international denied by Augusto Batalla, and Dani Olmo blazed the rebound
**Images via Getty Images/One Football**