Barcelona (4-3-3): Bravo; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Mathieu; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Munir, Messi, Neymar.
Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Tono; Tito, Abdoulaye, Morcillo, Insua; Baena, Trashorras; Bueno, Lica, Kakuta; Baptistao.
Barca continue to build on their impressive start to the season as they registered their seventh win of the season in as many games with a 2-0 win over nine man Rayo in a record breaking style.
The star duo of Messi and Neymar scored in quick succession to give the visitors a comfortable win. Luis Enrique’s boys bounced back in style after suffering a shock defeat to PSG in UEFA Champions League.
Messi scored his 249th league goal for Barca after being fed by a sublime ball from defender Gerrard Pique in 35th minute. There was acres of space between the defence and the midfield which was duly exploited by the Catalans.
Within seconds Neymar scored in similar fashion by a exquisite pass from teeen sensation Munir El Haddadi.
Rayo hardly troubled the Blauragana defense as they were completely outclassed in midfield. Lack of discipline saw the hosts being pegged back deep in their own half as two of their players were sent off. Defender Morcilo was sent off at the hour mark while his teammate and substitute Aquino followed the suit.
With this win FC Barcelona became first club in La Liga history to win their opening seven games without conceding a goal. Bravo, the goalkeeper, also set a new La Liga record for highest number of minutes without conceding a goal.