Preview: Barcelona aiming to make it five out of five
The Blaugrana have got off to a great start in the new campaign, winning all four of their La Liga matches. With 14 goals scored and only four conceded, Tata Martino's squad is first in the league, even on points with Atletico Madrid.
After their strong showing mid-week against Ajax in their first match of the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona will now turn their attention to domestic football.
Madrid will be their next stop, where they will take on Rayo Vallecano at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas.
The hosts will need to really be at their best to help overcome a poor start to the new campaign. From their four matches, both away fixtures have ended in 5-0 defeats, while their opening victory at home against Elche was overshadowed by a 1-2 defeat against Levante.
Knowing that they are huge underdogs for this match, Rayo midfielder Trashorras is reluctant to write off his side just yet.
"I'm not looking at results of past years," he told the club's official website. "It's a game where we have a lot to gain and little to lose. We're going to compete and three points would earn us a lot of prestige."
"We have to believe that chances are there to be taken and that is the only way. We need to go out there thinking anything can happen."
He sure is right when he says anything can happen, but in all likelihood and with all due respect to the Vallecanos, Barcelona coming out of this match without the full three points would be a monumental let down.
The club's latest victory over Sevilla came in dramatic fashion, as they overcame a 90th minute equalizing goal from Coke Andújar. Just when Barcelona fans thought the match would end in a draw, being the first points the club would have dropped, Alexis Sánchez gave the Catalans the lead in the 94th minute, and the eventual victory.
Leaving their business late will not be something Tata Martino will want against Rayo Vallecano. But the new Barcelona manager will also need to be cautious, considering his defensive issues.
Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique are likely to start the match, but the Spanish international is struggling with a groin injury which makes him a game time decision. Dani Alves and Adriano are likely to retain their places in the squad after their mid-week appearances against Ajax, but Martin Montoya could also get a chance against Rayo.
With a few injury concerns for the hosts, manager Paco Jemez believes his side can go toe-to-toe with the Catalans. In order to do that, they will need to figure out a way to stop Messi, who scored three goals against Ajax, and already has six goals in the new campaign.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona live on Saturday, September 21, 2013:
In the UK at 19:00 BST on: Sky Sports 2/HD, Sky Go
In the USA at 14:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play, SiriusXM FC, beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport en Español
Fans in Spain can follow the action on C+ Liga Multi, GOL T, Gol Stadium and Canal+ Liga/HD. If you are outside these viewing areas, please visit the Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona match page for full TV listings.
