Barcelona make three changes for tonight’s La Liga encounter with Rayo Vallecano as they aim to avoid defeat for a record 35th game in succession.

Javier Mascherano comes in for Jordi Alba, with Jeremy Mathieu moving to the left side of defence, while Sergi Roberto is reshuffled to the right due to Ivan Rakitic’s inclusion at the expense of Aleix Vidal.

Elsewhere, Andres Iniesta replaces Arda Turan, but Dani Alves’ one-game ban for five yellow cards rules him ineligible for selection.

Real Madrid set the existing unbeaten record of 34 matches all the way back in 1988 under Leo Beenhakker, and Barca look good to break their arch-rivals’ run, having scored 18 goals and conceded none in their last four trips to Vallecas.

Rayo Vallecano: Juan Carlos; Tito, Quini, Llorente, Crespo; Iturra, Trashorras; Piti, Embarba, Bebe; Manucho

Subs: Yoel, Amaya, Nacho, Caballero, Ozbiliz, Baena, Guerra

Barcelona: Bravo; Sergi, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Subs: Ter Stegen, Alba, Vermaelen, Adriano, Vidal, Arda, Munir

Referee: Bikandi Garrido

La Liga - Club News