Barcelona can go top of La Liga with a win when they host Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Real Madrid's controversial draw with Osasuna on Saturday plus Atletico Madrid finishing level with Celta Vigo opened the door for Barcelona to pounce. A victory would take them level on points with Real Madrid, and they boast the head-to-head tiebreaker for the moment as well.

Since the back-to-back La Liga slips against Atletico Madrid and Getafe, Barcelona have won three straight matches in league play, closing the gap at the top of an exciting title race.

Rayo Vallecano will be a tough test, having exploded up the table in the second half of the season. They have not lost in eight games, winning five of those while drawing with Real Madrid back in mid-December.

The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.

Barcelona will be without Fermin Lopez, who is suspended for his straight red card in the latest league win over Sevilla.

The Catalan giants are also waiting on the fitness of Ronald Araujo. The defender has missed some training this week due to an ankle injury. Araujo is not 100% according to reports, but returned to training Saturday and will hope to make himself available.