Rayo to test the leaders' invincibility

Rayo Vallecano face a tough test on matchday seven of the Liga BBVA when they host a visit from FC Barcelona, the championship leaders. Paco Jémez's men come into the match with several objectives, such as being the first side to score against the Blaugranas or the first to take three points from Luis Enrique's men.

Team news
Paco Jémez's only absentee for the transcendental match will be Zé Castro, a regular starter in the centre of Rayo's rear-guard. He may be replaced by Jorge Morcillo, a player who joined the club this season. For the visitors the only possible absence will be that of centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, who continues to work on his recovery. For his part, Neymar Jr. trained with the rest of his teammates before making the trip to Madrid.

Views from the dugout
"In order to get something positive from Barcelona, possession is not enough. I'm expecting a perfect game", said the home coach in a press conference before hosting the side managed by Luis Enrique. Meanwhile, the visiting coach praised his opponents before stating: "The only thing I can be sure of is that it will be a very difficult match. Rayo do not speculate and they will have the fans on their side".