Contrasting objectives for Rayo and Barça at Vallecas

Barça arrive at Vallecas looking to maintain their incredible vein of form that has seen the Catalan club unbeaten in their last 34 games. Luis Enrique’s side will also look to consolidate their advantage at the top of the league table against a Rayo side themselves in good form with Paco Jemez’s men unbeaten in their past seven LaLiga games. A fascinating game awaits this evening in the south east neighborhood of Madrid as the season enters its final third . (Kick-off 2100 CET).

Perspectives for both teams this evening are quite contrasting. Barça looking to push on and keep Atleti at bay in their quest to lift another LaLiga title whilst Rayo despite their recent form hover precariously close to the relegation zone in the table.

Rayo have bounced back since their 10-2 drubbing at the Bernabeu in December. Paco Jemez’s side have shown resilience and fight, this was epitomized in the recent games against Sevilla and Real Betis respectively where Rayo on both occasions came back from two goals down to secure a point.

Another unique factor ahead of the game is playing at Vallecas. The smallest pitch in the division in the small working class area of the city and where the crowd of 14,000 can create a uniquely hostile atmosphere that can impact on even the best team in the world.