Rayo Vallecano

While Barcelona and Valencia claimed comfortable wins to start their Copa del Rey ties, Atletico Madrid were held.

Saúl Ñíguez Esclapez A second-half strike from Saul Niguez cancelled out Nacho's opener as Atletico Madrid battled to a 1-1 Copa del Rey draw at Rayo Vallecano.

Atletico Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-0 last Tuesday but most of the action was in the stands.

The top three remained unchanged with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid all triumphing, as Valencia's winless run continued.

José Crespo Rincón Aston Villa defender Jose Angel Crespo has returned to Spain after joining Rayo Vallecano for the rest of the season.

Luis Enrique Luis Enrique believes Rayo Vallecano's attacking style of play could cause difficulties for Barcelona if they are not at their best at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Barcelona Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez has piled pressure on Barcelona's Luis Enrique ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash, claiming 'second is not good enough' for the Catalan giants.

Atlético Madrid Diego Simeone is backing Fernando Torres to inspire an improvement in Atletico Madrid's recent form, starting with Sunday's trip to fellow high-flyers Valencia.

Sergio Busquets The injury suffered by Sergio Busquets during Wednesday's win over Villarreal will rule the midfielder out of Sunday's clash with Rayo Vallecano, but does not appear as bad as first feared.