Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona: Goals, Highlights from La Liga Match

Barcelona travelled to Madrid on Wednesday knowing they were on the cusp of history: By avoiding defeat to Rayo Vallecano, they could go 35 games undefeated in all competitions, breaking the record set by Real Madrid in 1988-89.

A win in their game in hand would also put them eight points clear at the top of the table.

In the 21st minute, the Blaugrana were put on the road to three points when Rayo 'keeper Juan Carlos dropped a cross, allowing Ivan Rakitic to clean up:

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21' RYV 0-1 BCN Goooool de Rakitic. Regalito del arquero. #MinutoFan pic.twitter.com/oNiLR6Cj8h

— Fansports (@Fansportsmx1) March 3, 2016"

Two minutes later, Lionel Messi gave Rayo an almighty setback when he slotted home after a neat one-two move with Neymar:

Shortly before half time, Rayo went down to 10 men when Diego Llorente put in a studs-up challenge on Rakitic:

In the 53rd minute, Messi made it 3-0 when he latched on to a Luis Suarez shot that hit the post:

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Messi 1-3 https://t.co/njZarCJegZ

— Barcelona Türkiye (@barcelona_turk) March 3, 2016"

A few minutes later, Rayo pulled one back with a goal made in Manchester, as Bebe set up Manucho Goncalves for a free header: 

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GOAL: RAYO VALLECANO 1 - 3 BARCELONA. GONCALVES 56' Ball is cut back across goal and headed in with power pic.twitter.com/Ngto9cQAk3

— Live Goals (@LiveGoalVids) March 3, 2016"

There was plenty of action in the 66th minute, when a Neymar free-kick hit the bar and Sergio Busquets was brought down from behind by Manuel Iturra. The Chilean was shown a red card as the referee pointed to the spot.

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PENALTY SAVE: RAYO VALLECANO Keeper saves the Suarez penalty pic.twitter.com/dcEZAapr6A

— Live Goals (@LiveGoalVids) March 3, 2016"

Luis Suarez had the chance to score his 26th goal of the season from 12 yards—but he missed!

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HATTRICK DE D10S pic.twitter.com/bZJ6RzbSv0

— Emenderk (@EmenderkFCB) March 3, 2016"

A few minutes later, Messi completed his second La Liga hat-trick of the season against the nine-man opposition:

Suffice to say, Rayo manager Paco Jemez wasn't too happy with the way the game was unfolding:

Five minutes from time, Arda Turan got on the scoresheet for the first time in Blaugrana colours when he was left unmarked for a free header: 

The game finished 5-1 to Barca, who show absolutely no signs of slowing down. With six goals, two red cards and a missed penalty, the fans in attendance certainly had value for money.