Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona: Preview :
Barcelona will set a new La Liga record if they avoid defeat against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid on Thursday night and there appears little danger of them losing focus as they march relentlessly towards another Spanish title.
Win or draw and Barca will surpass arch-rivals Real Madrid's current record of 34 matches without defeat, set during the 1988/89 season. Victory will see the reigning champions extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
But it is business as usual for head coach Luis Enrique, who will be without suspended right-back Dani Alves but has no new injury concerns after his side were forced to come from behind last Sunday to beat Seville 2-1 at Camp Nou.
Enrique acknowledged his supremely-talented squad before insisting the title race was far from over and there could be no let-up against Rayo.
``I highly value the great squad I have, who are a unique and different group,'' he told the club's official website. ``Barca has an identity and this can be seen over many years.''
But he added: ``Any lapse in concentration can prove costly. The league is still open because there are plenty of points still at stake.
``You can never be relaxed against Rayo. It will be an uncomfortable game.''
Barcelona played eight games in February, drawing one and winning seven, including a 2-0 Champions League win against Arsenal in London which makes them huge favourites to reach the quarter-finals.
When asked if he would continue to rotate his squad - and possibly rest Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, Enrique said: ``Being a coach is about constantly making decisions. Until an hour before the game, nobody knows who will play.
``Resting the three forwards will depend on what I see fit. What I do is always for the benefit of the team, without committing risks.''
Rayo have drawn their last three La Liga fixtures 2-2 and have climbed two points clear of the relegation zone on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run.
But they have lost their last 10 matches against Barcelona, and veteran midfielder Roberto Trashorras said Rayo must be at their very best to compete.
``It's difficult to win because we face the best team in the world that has the best players,'' Trashorras told Rayo's official website.
``It's hard, but our intention is to go out, compete, play a good game and win.
``In every game we go out the same, but we know that this - it has more difficulty. Everything around it and the team you're facing, but ultimately it is a game.
``They (have gone) a long time without losing, do things very well but someday they will lose, so we have to try it on Thursday.''
Rayo forward Javi Guerra (knee) could return to contention but head coach Paco Jemez will be without Venezuela international Miku and midfielder Pablo Hernandez (both hamstring), while Tono, David Cobeno, Razvan Rat and Patrick Ebert all remain sidelined.
