Inigo Martinez 9, Pedri 9 | Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Player ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona locked horns with Rayo Vallecano late on Monday night at Montjuic in a game that held massive consequences for the league standings.

After Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid dropped points in their games of the weekend, Barcelona had the chance to go clear of their rivals on the standings with a win. Playing Inigo Perez’s side, however, was never going to be easy.

The Catalans dominated the opening spell of the game and even went ahead in the first half through a Robert Lewandowski penalty.

The visitors soon pulled one back but had it ruled out for a player obstructing the play.

The second half was more balanced with both sides creating openings. In the end, however, Flick’s men held on and took the three vital points.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano.

Wojciech Szczesny: 8.5

The Polish goalkeeper had a great showing for Barcelona and largely proved why he is the manager’s preferred option between the sticks with his experience.

Despite having a slow and uneventful start, Szczesny had a busy closing ten minutes into the first half and was repeatedly tested by waves of Rayo Vallecano attacks.

His best save, by far, was a double save in the 37th minute.

Alejandro Balde: 8

Barcelona’s tireless warrior down the left flank. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The left-back was perhaps the Barcelona player who covered the most ground on the night as he tirelessly charged down the flank to pioneer counter-attacks while also staying in position defensively.

While Jorge de Frutos did well to neutralise Balde’s crosses in part, the Spaniard’s pace was a lethal weapon for the Catalans.

Inigo Martinez: 9

Another immense performance from the Spanish veteran as he rolled in contributions across the field in both attack and defence.

For starters, Martinez won the penalty that helped the club take the lead on the night after going down under the challenge of Pathe Ciss.

Further, he was immense in defence and with his execution of the offside trap. His clearance off the line towards the end of the first half was the cherry on the cake.

Pau Cubarsi: 8

Calm, composed, and reliable as ever with his distribution, Cubarsi rarely ever looked to be in a spot of bother against Rayo Vallecano last night.

While he did suffer slightly in the periods when the opponents dominated in attack, his decision-making and interceptions remained unaffected and at an elite level.

Hector Fort: 7

The only big rotation from the regular starting lineup, Fort started in place of Jules Kounde and did decently well to fill in.

The academy star was reliable with the ball and with his link-up play. However, he was a slight defensive liability that the visitors looked to target.

Frenkie de Jong: 7.5

The Barcelona captain is proving himself as a worthy starter. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Dutchman started as part of the double pivot and continued his promising run of form as he looked comfortable in tight spaces and excelled with his distribution decisions in midfield.

Showed great combination play with the likes of Pedri and Gavi but was slightly vulnerable on the break with Rayo’s transitions.

Pedri: 9

Another start, another peach of a display from Pedri who is now making a serious case to be named the best midfielder in the world.

The former Golden Boy winner was silky smooth on the ball, never looked to be under any pressure and always looked to conjure up a defence-splitting pass that could open up the Rayo back-line.

Gavi: 7

The young attacking midfielder played slightly deeper than the manager would have liked and did well with his work off the ball.

His attacking contributions, however, were limited once more and he did not create as much threat in the final third as the manager would have liked.

Lamine Yamal: 7

Yamal looked slightly off-colour against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The academy winger had a slightly off first half as he misplayed a few passes, missed a relatively straightforward chance to score and did not look as smooth as he usually does with his dribbles.

Largely completed a very similar second half and never really got going.

Raphinha: 8

The Brazilian was a protagonist in the final third, leading the charge on counter-attacks and facilitating the buildup from the left wing.

Had a few glorious chances to score but saw them go begging.

Robert Lewandowski: 8.5

The Pichichi leader struck gold again for the hosts. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Polish striker opened the scoring for Barcelona with a calm and reassuring penalty and looked rejuvenated apart from his goal as well.

However, he did miss a few big chances in the first half.