Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona, 2016 La Liga: Final Score 1-5 as Barça break record

Barcelona have set a new record for consecutive matches without a loss, as the Blaugrana reached 35 straight unbeaten games thanks to a 5-1 win away from home against Rayo Vallecano, with goals from Lionel Messi (3), Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan, with Manucho scoring for Rayo. In a comfortable match, the Blaugranes had a complete performance and thoroughly dominated the opposition, finishing with a great victory and a history-making result.

FIRST HALF

The beginning of the game saw Rayo play its game: keep posession and press high up the pitch to try and trouble Barça's passing game. They had some success early on, but the visitors responded by throwing accurate long balls into the direction of the 'MSN' trio, who always had acres of space in the attacking half to unleash dangerous runs against Rayo's defenders.

Barça deserved a goal, and got two. Pretty fast. First, a terrible mistake by goalkeeper Juan Carlos gifted Rakitic an easy shot into an open net, and the Croatian didn't disappoint. Just a few seconds later, a quick counter-attack combination between Messi and Neymar saw the Brazilian make a nice assist to Leo, who calmly finished to increase the lead.

After the two goals, the Blaugrana started to dominate the actions, keeping the ball in search of more opportunities and being safe and ready on defense to stop the Franjirrojos. Just before halftime, Rayo's situation got worse when defender Llorente was sent off after a nasty challenge on Rakitic.

At halftime, a comfortable lead against a 10-men outfit. Could Barça finish the night with a road rout?

SECOND HALF

The third goal came quickly. Another blazing fast counter-attack less than ten minutes into the half had a shot by Suárez hit the post, and the ball eventually found the left foot of Messi, who scored his second of the match.

Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jémez wasn't afraid of a rout and sent his team forward. After a good cross into a dangerous area, Bebé assisted Manucho who headed home to give Rayo some hope. All hope was gone, or so it seemed, when Iturra fouled Busquets inside the box and got a red card for his penalty. Suárez stepped to the spot, and fired a rocket that was saved by keeper Juan Carlos.

The hosts still went forward looking for a goal, and with only nine men on the pitch, they naturally left gaps. Messi exploited one of those, and went unmarked in front of the keeper until he finished and completed his hat-trick. To end the night on a high note, Mathieu delivered a perfect cross to Arda, who headed home to score his first ever goal as a Blaugrana.

In the end, a great win on the road with a strong performance, no injuries, and a spectacular record broken. This could not have been a better night.

Rayo Vallecano: Juan Carlos; Quini, Llorente, Crespo, Tito; Iturra, Trashorras; Embarba, Piti (Joni), Bebé (Amaya); Manucho (Javi Guerra)

Goal: Manucho (56')

Barcelona: Bravo; Roberto (Vidal), Piqué, Mascherano, Mathieu; Busquets (Vermaelen), Rakitic (Arda), Iniesta; Messi, Suárez, Neymar

Goals: Rakitic (22'), Messi (23', 53', 71'), Arda (85')