Barcelona travelled to Rayo Vallecano on Thursday looking to make it 35 games unbeaten in all competitions and knowing that another win would move them eight points clear at the top of La Liga.
First-half goals from Ivan Rakitic and Lionel Messi saw the visitors enter the break with a 2-0 lead and they also had a one-man advantage due to Diego Llorente's red card in the 42nd minute.
Manucho was on the scoresheet for the home side either side of two more goals for Messi, while Barcelona also missed a penalty in an incident that saw Manuel Iturra sent from the field.
Arda Turan got in on the act late on, however, as the Turk scored his first Barcelona goal to make it 5-1 in the 86th minute.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Madrid as Rayo Vallecano welcome Barcelona. The hosts will enter this match off the back of a seven-game unbeaten run in the league, but five of those have been draws. Barca, meanwhile, will be confident of making it 35 matches unbeaten and once again opening up an eight-point lead over second-place Atletico Madrid.
In truth, the omens are not great for Rayo tonight. The capital side have not beaten Barcelona since 2002 and have lost each of their last five league games against the Catalan outfit – including a 5-2 defeat at Camp Nou in the reverse fixture earlier this season. In fact, Barcelona have scored 23 times in their last five wins over Rayo and they also won 7-0 in this stadium back in April 2012.
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Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Madrid. Who have Paco Jemez and Luis Enrique placed their faith in tonight? Let's find out...
TEAMS:
RAYO: Carlos; Quini, Llorente, Crespo, Tito; Iturra, Trashorras; Embarba, Piti, Bebe; Manucho
BARCA: Bravo; Roberto, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Rayo have a long injury list that includes Pablo Hernandez, Javi Guerra and Patrick Ebert, but on-loan Aston Villa defender Jose Angel Crespo has been deemed fit enough to start tonight. There is also a spot in attack for former Manchester United striker Manucho, who scored twice off the bench against Real Betis last time out. The powerful striker has replaced Miku in the final third, but it is otherwise the same team that took to the field last weekend. Bebe is also in the first selection tonight.
As for Barcelona, Dani Alves misses out through suspension, while Jordi Alba has been rested, allowing Sergi Roberto and Jeremy Mathieu to come into the full-back positions. Ivan Rakitic returns to the midfield three alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, while Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi continue in the final third of the field. Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal are both on the bench.
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The two teams are in and we are now little over 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in the Spanish capital. I shall talk about Barcelona a little bit later, but let's start with the home side, who are actually unbeaten in their last seven league matches, scoring at least twice in all of them. In fact, Rayo are chasing a piece of history tonight having never gone eight games unbeaten in Spain's top flight.
You could be forgiven for thinking that an impressive run of form would have moved Rayo clear of the bottom three, but they have only won twice during those seven games and as it stands, sit 16th on 26 points. The capital side's record from 26 games this term reads won six, drawn eight and lost 12.
No team in La Liga has conceded more goals (53) than Rayo this season, but Jemez's side have scored 36 times, which is actually more than fourth-place Villarreal and just three fewer than second-place Atletico Madrid. They are a side that like to play open and expansive football, but it does see them concede a lot of goals. Playing in such a manner works against teams with less quality, but recent matches against Barcelona shows that the tactic is very risky against the Catalan side!
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Four of Rayo's last five league matches have finished 2-2 and that was indeed the scoreline when they travelled to Real Betis at the weekend. Taking something from tonight's match is a big ask for the capital side, but they have Espanyol, Eibar, Granada and Getafe to come in their next four after this one and it is those matches that will determine whether they remain in the league this season.
As for Barcelona, the Catalan side will enter this match off the back of a 34-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Indeed, Enrique's side have won 21 of their 26 league games this season and currently sit five points clear at the top of the La Liga table – with a game in hand over Atletico. Real Madrid, meanwhile, sit in third spot and now nine points behind the pace-setters.
Spanish midfielder Jorge Azkoitia scored just six league goals for Rayo between 2001 and 2004, but one of those was against Barcelona in the capital side's last win over the Spanish giants...
10 - Rayo Vallecano have not won against Barcelona since 2002, 1-0 in Vallecas thanks to a Azkoitia's goal (L10). Hard
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 3, 2016
Barcelona's stunning run of form since a 2-1 defeat at Sevilla at the start of October has seen them win the Club World Cup, advance to the Copa del Rey final, make the knockout stage of the Champions League and also open up a healthy lead at the top of the La Liga table. In truth, it is very difficult to imagine either Atletico or Real Madrid overcoming such a big gap at this stage.
It is actually difficult to see where Barcelona's next defeat is coming from. They will travel to Eibar and welcome Getafe in their last two league games, before hosting Arsenal for the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League - holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg in London. Their next league match of real significance is away to impressive Villarreal on March 20.
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Barcelona are actually only the second-highest scorers (69) in the league this season behind Real Madrid (74) and they have the third-best defensive record (21 conceded) behind Atletico Madrid and Villarreal. Shipping 21 goals in 26 matches is impressive for any team, let alone one that has the best front three in world football. It is a machine that continues to stun every team in its path.
Enrique's side also have the second-best away record in the league – winning eight of their 12 matches, but both of their league defeats this term have come on their travels. Last weekend, the Catalan outfit recorded a 2-1 victory at home to Sevilla, but it was far from comprehensive and it would be fair to say that they have been winning without hitting top form over the last few weeks.
PREDICTION! Has to be an away win tonight. Rayo are lovely to watch at times and they play some super stuff, but they do concede a lot of chances and Barcelona, if they are really at it, could have a bit of a field day. I expect Rayo to net at some point, but I am backing the visitors to record a 3-1 win.
Just a reminder of the two teams for tonight...
RAYO: Carlos; Quini, Llorente, Crespo, Tito; Iturra, Trashorras; Embarba, Piti, Bebe; Manucho
BARCA: Bravo; Roberto, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
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KICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Time for the football! It is the home side that get this match underway tonight...
... as expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. This is a very special football ground! This should be an open and entertaining game of football in the Spanish capital.
Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early moments, which is bringing whistles from the home supporters. Rayo are pressing very high at the moment, which is admirable but very dangerous indeed. For the neutral, the best outcome is an early Rayo goal in the capital!
CHANCE! The first chance of the match comes to the home side as Embarba strikes one from outside the box, but Bravo is across his goal to make a flying save!
The intensity on display from Rayo is just incredible at the moment as they continue to press high up the field and dive into challenges. Bebe - yes Manchester United fans, that Bebe - dives into Roberto down the right, but the referee blows his whistle. High-tempo football in Madrid here.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Messi has the ball in the back of the net for Barcelona, but the Argentine is correctly ruled offside. Moments before, Carlos seemed to handle the ball outside his own box!
Still a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters make their voices heard, but there are just a few signs that Barcelona are warming to their task here. The visitors haver started to move the ball quicker in the final third and Rayo are a little bit all over the place!
Just the one shot on target inside 14 minutes tonight and that came for the home side - Embarba testing Bravo from outside the box early on. Barcelona, however, continue to look dangerous in the final third as Neymar drifts in from a wide position. Rayo remain full of running all over the park.
Neymar attempts to slide a pass into Suarez, but Carlos is quick off his line to clear ahead of the Brazilian. Rayo are just struggling to keep hold of the ball at the moment as Barcelona dominate.
Embarba again drives to the edge of the Barca box and has a go, but it is comfortable for Bravo.
A fine pass from Messi sends Neymar into the Rayo box and it seems as if the Brazilian will pick an easy cross into Suarez, but the attacker allows Llorente back to make the challenge.
Well, so far, so good for Rayo, who have held Barcelona inside the opening 20 minutes. Luis Enrique does not look too pleased on the touchline, but his team are looking dangerous in the final third and you sense that an opener will soon arrive. Suarez again breaks through and attempts to evade Iturra, but the midfielder stands strong to make the block. The home side are so open here!
SAVE! Super stop from Carlos as the Rayo goalkeeper keeps out Messi, who had been found by Neymar inside the box. A strong, one-handed save from the Spaniard there.
GOAL! Rayo 0-1 Barcelona (Rakitic)
Oh my word it is a gift from the goalkeeper! Carlos has just made a fine stop, but he drops a simple cross from the right and Rakitic is on hand to tap into the empty net! What on earth happened!
GOAL! Rayo 0-2 Barcelona (Messi)
That is game over then! Barcelona have their second in the 23rd minute as Neymar drives down the left before cutting it back to Messi, who places his low effort in the bottom corner. So simple!
Rayo just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment and Barcelona have a free kick in a dangerous position when Quini brings Neymar to the deck. This could easily become three here...
... the second phase of play drops to Mathieu and his powerful strike is blocked behind for a corner. That is how confident Barcelona are at the moment - Mathieu wants in on the action!
Rayo are still committing plenty of options in the final third, which is good for entertainment value, but Barcelona have so much space down the other end and will fancy their chances of hitting more goals tonight. This is just about the last approach that you want to take against Barcelona!
Neymar once again sprints away down the left, but his effort from a wide angle was never testing Carlos, who has looked a bag of nerves since that error for the opening goal tonight.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and to be brutally honest, it is ever so comfortable for Barcelona, who are heading eight points clear at the top of the table. That might be a little bit disrespectful to say at this stage, but Barcelona simply will not throw it away from this position.
The home supporters are doing their best to raise their team and Rayo are still lively in the final third, but Barcelona are leaving Neymar, Messi and Suarez up the other end and I would be astounded if there were not more goals for the visitors in this match. It remains 2-0 in Madrid.
18 - Lionel Messi has scored 18 goals in his 16 appearances for @FCBarcelona on 2016 (all competitions). Energic. — OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 3, 2016
Trashorras attempts to send Manucho away with a super long pass, but Pique is on hand to make the clearance. It comes straight back from Rayo, but once again Manucho is squeezed out.
The referee has not produced a yellow card thus far tonight, but there have been a couple of tasty challenges in the last few minutes and Enrique makes his feelings known to the Spanish official.
Half-chance for the home side as Embarba delivers onto the head of Quini, but his header was always moving wide of the target. Nice work from Embarba, who has been impressive tonight.
RED CARD! LLORENTE!
Rayo are reduced to 10 men as Llorente is handed a straight red for a late challenge on Rakitic!
Rakitic takes a while to get to his feet, but should be fit to continue. Llorente definitely followed through, but that is a bit harsh for me. His momentum took him into Rakitic more than anything!
Pique gets up to meet a corner from Neymar, but Crespo rises with him and manages to make the block. So, 10-man Rayo against Barcelona and the visitors lead 2-0. Anyone for a turnaround here?!
HALF-TIME: Rayo 0-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Rakitic and Messi. The visitors will also have to play the whole of the second half with 10 men after Diego Llorente saw red in the 42nd minute for a late challenge on Rakitic.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 57%, while they have had seven attempts - three of which were on target. Rayo, meanwhile, have managed two attempts on target, but both were pretty comfortable saves for Bravo. Just the one card to report - red for Llorente in the 42nd minute.
BENCH WATCH! Rayo boss Paco Jemez will need to make a defensive change at the break and Amaya seems the player most likely to come on, although Nacho Martinez is also available for the hosts. As for Barcelona, Luis Enrique has the likes of Alba, Munir, Turan and Vidal in reserve tonight.
MATCH PIC!
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RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Rayo find a route back into this match? It will be tough! Barcelona resume the action in Madrid...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is a surprise. Instead, it appears that Iturra will full in at centre-back for the home team, who have a long 45 minutes ahead of them here.
CHANCE! A wonderful pass from Suarez sets Neymar away inside the Rayo box, but the Brazilian fires wide of the post from a narrow angle. Should have been 3-0 Barcelona there.
300 - @FCBarcelona have scored 300 goals with Luis Enrique as manager (all competitions). Ode. — OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 3, 2016
It appears that Rayo are playing 3-5-1 at the moment, which is very worrying against this Barcelona team. A mistake from Bravo almost allows the home side a clear chance, but Trashorras cannot settle on the ball and Pique is back to make the clearance. Pretty lively game at the moment.
CHANCE! Super chance for Suarez this time after a wonderful Messi pass, but the striker fires just wide of the far post. Barcelona should be absolutely out of sight at this stage.
GOAL! Rayo 0-3 Barcelona (Messi)
It is indeed three for Barcelona as Messi converts from close range after Suarez's effort had rattled the post. Carlos did his best to keep it out on the line, but Messi has his second of the night.
CHANCE! Could and should be 4-0 as Neymar bursts into the box, but he hits the side netting when the cross to Suarez seemed the better option. Rayo are going to make a change...
... RAYO SUB! Piti is replaced by Joni for the home side.
GOAL! Rayo 1-3 Barcelona (Manucho)
Rayo have one back! It is a goal made in Manchester as Bebe heads down to Manucho, who nods over the line from close range. The home supporters have something to cheer tonight!
Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and my pre-match score prediction of 3-1 Barcelona stands at the moment. I suspect that we have not seen the last of the goals tonight though!
If Rayo can muster another goal in the next five minutes or so then you suspect that Barcelona would start to get a little bit nervous. There is so much space down the other end, however, that Barcelona will fancy their chances of adding a couple more goals before the night is out.
Mathieu drives down the left and cuts the ball back to Messi, but the Argentine fires high and wide of the crossbar. That is not like him! That has actually landed in the car-park I think.
Barcelona have a free kick in a very dangerous area as Joni fells Rakitic...
... BARCA SUB! Arda Turan replaces Rakitic for the visitors.
CROSSBAR! Neymar takes the free kick and rattles the crossbar!
RED CARD! ITURRA!
Barcelona have a penalty and Iturra receives a red card for hauling Busquets to the deck inside the box. Neymar's free kick rattled the crossbar and Busquets looked certain to turn it home!
SAVE! Carlos keeps out Suarez's penalty with a fine save!
RAYO SUB! Amaya replaces Bebe for the home team.
GOAL! Rayo 1-4 Barcelona (Messi, hat-trick)
Barcelona have their fourth and Messi has a hat-trick as the Argentine stays onside before driving into the box and finishing in the bottom corner. Such a simple goal for the attacker!
BARCA SUB! Aleix Vidal replaces Roberto for the away team.
Well, this was never likely to be a dull match and we have had five goals, a penalty and two red cards. I suspect that the scoring is not finished as we enter the final 15 minutes in the capital.
BARCELONA SUB! Vermaelen replaces Busquets for Barcelona.
BOOKING! Turan (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Tito.
RAYO SUB! Manucho is replaced by Javi Guerra for the home side.
Just a reminder that this victory will take Barcelona eight points clear at the top of La Liga and 12 clear of third-place Real Madrid, which is incredible at this stage of the season. It is actually difficult to see where Barcelona's next defeat - in any competition - is coming from!
Suarez fires a low effort across the face of goal as Rayo survive another scare here.
Messi dances into the Rayo box, but Tito is across to make a challenge at the vital moment and the home team are just sitting in at the moment as they attempt to keep the score down to four.
GOAL! Rayo 1-5 Barcelona (Turan)
Barcelona have their fifth of the night as Turan heads a Mathieu cross past Carlos!
BOOKING! Neymar (Barcelona) is booked for a challenge on Amaya.
It is wonderful to see the home supporters in such fine voice despite the fact that their team is 5-1 down tonight. The support will remain regardless of the scoreline, which is brilliant to see.
Tito heads wide of Bravo's post as we head for stoppage time in this match.
FULL-TIME: Rayo 1-5 Barcelona
So there we have it. Lionel Messi scores three as Barcelona record a 5-1 win over nine-man Rayo in the capital. The result has seen the Catalan giants move eight points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga table and make it 35 games unbeaten in all competitions - a new Spanish record. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
